Reflection, Looking Ahead, and a Farewell.

We're now a week removed from the Produce Stakes (I know, it seems like an age ago now!). The night's racing was, in my mind, the best night's racing of the year (Arc night inc.). It was the variety and competitiveness of the racing that really got people going. Having a decent crowd, like any sporting event, made the night an even better experience. Trust me, from upstairs, hearing the roar of a crowd in a race really does liven up the event (although driving the hare, it can be a bit of a nightmare!).

The winner, Son Of Delboy, was a very worthy winner on the night. You have to feel for connections of Klockwork Kaipo and Johnnys Boy, as they really did run there hearts out. However, it was the gutsy, determined run of the winner that was the key story of the race. The owner's reaction to the win is something that will live with me for a long time, and it's such a reaction that makes you realise exactly why the Produce Stakes has to remain a key fixture in the calendar. It allows people that don't go for the most expensive open racers a chance with their home breds and youngsters to win a massive prize. Most of the greyhounds involved with the competition have been with their owner's since they were youngsters, so the owner's themselves almost 'grow up' with the greyhound. It's this bond, and genuine emotion of a victory that makes the Produce such an awesome competition. Hat's off to the connections (of which there was a lot to fit in the photo!), and well done.

My closing on the competition this year is that, truthfully, I think all 6 finalists will go on to win a hell of a lot of prize money and races over the next couple of years. In terms of quality, I think the final this year was really high up there with the best. It certainly wouldn't surprise a lot of people to see the like's of Johnnys Boy in various other Cat. 1's over the coming months.

-----------------------------------------

This week it was announced that John Peterson would be quitting the sport of greyhound racing. John's been attached to Swindon for a couple of years, and (along with Bree), established himself as one of the top kennels at the track. For a kennel of such number, to have the winners and percentage he has is very good, and should be commended.

I must say I truly tip my hat to John and Bree. In two year's they've managed to build up to such a grand size, with some really good owners on their side. For the short time he was a trainer in his own right, I think he build up himself really well, and who knows in the right set of circumstances, might've made it in the long term.

Of course, I (along with everyone at Swindon) would like to wish John and Bree all the success in their future endeavors.