# 1974 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year

The 1974 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 48th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

## Roll of honour

Major Winners :
| Award | Name of Winner |
| 1974 English Greyhound Derby | Jimsun |
| 1974 Irish Greyhound Derby | Lively Band |
| 1974 Scottish Greyhound Derby | Cosha Orchis |
| 1974 Welsh Greyhound Derby | Dankie |
| Greyhound Trainer of the Year | John Coleman |
| Greyhound of the Year | Westpark Mustard |
| Irish Greyhound of the Year | Lively Band |

## Summary

A black bitch called Westpark Mustard won the £300 Longcross Cup at White City in February at odds of 4–11, beating Heavy Sleeper and litter brother Westpark Onion by six lengths. It was the fifth successive victory by the bitch. She then completed ten wins in a row, when successful in the GRA stakes. The greyhound went on to record 15 successive victories before breaking into season on 12 May. Trained by Tom Johnston at Wembley she was homing in on Mick the Miller's record of 19. After seasonal rest her connections entered her for one off open races, deciding to avoid the Gold Collar and Cesarewitch. Five open race wins secured the new European record feat of 20 successive victories with the 20th win aptly named the Mick The Miller Record Stakes.
The annual National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) returns were released, with totalisator turnover at £63,950,885 and attendances recorded at 6,083,334.
Unbeknown to the industry the GRA Property Trust was on the verge of financial disaster due to the property slump, the company mismanagement continued with the securing of significant loans (Including £10 million from the ICI pension fund) in an attempt to maintain the share price, in addition to buying a 23% stake in the Coral Leisure Group, in the spring for £5.7 million.

## Tracks

The GRA closed Clapton Stadium on 1 January, the Scurry Gold Cup competition was subsequently moved Slough Stadium. Rayleigh Weir Stadium also closed on 8 March.
Ipswich joined the NRGC banner under a new permit scheme and held their first race on 2 February; the track was under the control of Ernie Wedon who was also responsible with Len Franklin for Yarmouth stadium being constructed in 1940. Other independent tracks to follow suit during the year were Halifax (owned by Jack Wardman and Owlerton director Mr J Carter), Rye House (an independent since 1960) and Cambridge. Norton Canes and Watford switched to NGRC rules in the latter part of the year to complete a group of six. The Watford track was on the inside of Watford FC's ground and was promoted by the GRA; it attracted Barbara Tompkins as a trainer and soon became a Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service (BAGS). Ultimately the NGRC were disappointed that only six independents took advantage of the new licensing available. Cambridge reverted to an independent after just five months after promoter Laurie Boost claimed that the tracks costs had increased. Independent track Newton Abbott had their grand opening on 2 May, the track sited on the national hunt racecourse itself featured a grandstand that could be dismantled when horse racing takes place.

## News

Former Clapton Racing Manager Hugh Richardson became GRA's chief Racing Manager whilst trainers Adam Jackson and Tom Foster moved to White City. The closures of tracks forced trainers Kenric Appleton, Jim Sherry, Charlie Smoothy, Margaret Barker and Don Thornton into early retirement. However Thornton would join Maidstone two years later.
Two Wimbledon trainers retired, Paddy McEllistrim and Stan Martin, they were replaced by Paddy's daughter Norah and Sam Sykes a former head lad to Clare Orton. Owlerton's Ted Brennan also retired after 43-year career and was replaced by Harry Crapper. Further trainer changes saw David Kinchett join White City from Shawfield and Jim Cremin became an Assistant Racing Manager at Brighton under Peter Shotton. Tony Smith became Willenhall Racing Manager after moving from Leeds.
The Retired Greyhound Trust was formed with the task of finding homes for ex racers and Con Stevens resigned from the board of directors at Wimbledon bringing to an end his 46 years of association with the track.
Jim Layton became Racing Manager at Catford Stadium and Victor Chandler Sr. died leaving a 20% stake of Walthamstow Stadium to Victor Chandler Jr.

## Competitions

Patricias Hope failed in an attempt to become the first greyhound to win three English Greyhound Derby's. A greyhound called Volvo won the Mount Vernon Derby earning £450, a remarkable figure for an independent track. The year's major winners were overshadowed by the exploits of Westpark Mustard.

## Ireland

Dunmore and Celtic Park endured serious disruptions due to the troubles in Belfast. The National power was continuing in Britain and Ireland and many tracks were in crisis, the 1973 ban on floodlighting continued into 1974 and many tracks had to purchase a generator. Derry in Northern Ireland came closest to closing after being unable to maintain racing in the afternoon.
After travelling to Shelbourne Park, Westpark Mustard's run of 20 wins was ended when beaten by Tommy Astaire.

## Principal UK races

Grand National, White City (April 13 525y h, £750) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Shanneys Darkie | Colin West | 10-1 | 29.43 | 4 |
| 2nd | Andreda | | 11-2 | 29.75 | 3 |
| 3rd | Silver Breeze | | 14-1 | 30.07 | 6 |
| 4th | Heath Grange | Charlie Coyle | 6-4f | 30.43 | 1 |
| 5th | Strebor Gem | David Kinchett | 9-2 | 30.71 | 2 |
| 6th | Sammic Blue | Noreen Collin | 3-1 | 30.91 | 5 |
Laurels, Wimbledon (May 17, 500y, £3,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Over Protected | John Coleman | 7-4 | 28.00 | 4 |
| 2nd | Deneholme Chief | Norah McEllistrim | 6-1 | 28.08 | 5 |
| 3rd | Slippery Slave | Colin West | 10-1 | 28.14 | 3 |
| 4th | Ahaveen Dandy | Pat Casey | 4-1 | 28.17 | 1 |
| 5th | Huberts Cato | | 16-1 | 28.25 | 6 |
| 6th | Handy High | Paddy Milligan | 6-4f | 28.39 | 2 |
The Grand Prix, Walthamstow (May 25, 700y, £1,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Ballyglass Hope | Don Thornton | 7-1 | 40.58 | 4 |
| 2nd | King David | George Curtis | 4-1 | 40.70 | 1 |
| 3rd | Chain Gang | Frank Melville | 6-1 | 40.86 | 5 |
| 4th | Leading Pride | George Curtis | 7-4f | 40.87 | 2 |
| 5th | Silver Sceptre | Reg Young | 9-2 | 40.89 | 6 |
| 6th | Rally Round | Frank Melville | 10-1 | 41.01 | 3 |
Welsh Derby, Arms Park (Jul 13, 525y £1,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Dankie | Colin West | 4-1 | 29.72 | 6 |
| 2nd | Black Banjo | Barney O'Connor | 8-1 | 29.96 | 5 |
| 3rd | Soft Light | Joe Bennett | 5-4f | 29.97 | 4 |
| 4th | Silver Thought | | 10-1 | 30.51 | 2 |
| 5th | Sibbens | Frank Baldwin | 9-4 | 30.53 | 1 |
| 6th | Cowboy Jo | Mick Hawkins | 12-1 | 30.61 | 3 |
Skol Scottish Derby, Shawfield (Aug 3, 525y, £2,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Cosha Orchis | Jimmy Meechan | 12-1 | 29.20 | 5 |
| 2nd | Sibbens | Frank Baldwin | 5-1 | 29.44 | 3 |
| 3rd | Two P.M | Norman Oliver | 5-2f | 29.48 | 6 |
| 4th | Ahaveen Dandy | Pat Casey | 3-1 | 29.54 | 1 |
| 5th | Cheerful Bill | J Doyle | 9-2 | 29.60 | 4 |
| 6th | Bealkilla Diver | Jim Glass | 3-1 | 30.00 | 2 |
St Leger, Wembley (Sep 2, 700y, £2,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Cute Caddie | David Kinchett | 4-1 | 41.17 | 2 |
| 2nd | Blackwater Champ | Peter Payne | 6-4f | 41.23 | 6 |
| 3rd | Black Banjo | Barney O'Connor | 6-1 | 41.33 | 3 |
| 4th | Streaky Sheila | Charlie Coyle | 3-1 | 41.35 | 5 |
| 5th | Annettes Diamond | John Coleman | 9-2 | 41.41 | 1 |
| 6th | Michaels Duchess | | 10-1 | 41.97 | 4 |
Scurry Gold Cup, Slough (Sep 7, 475y £1,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Westmead Valley | Hugh McEntyre | 11-10f | 26.24 | 6 |
| 2nd | Sweetly | | 8-1 | 26.62 | 5 |
| 3rd | Mahon Valley | Colin West | 5-1 | 27.18 | 2 |
| 4th | Tipper Tar | | 16-1 | 27.24 | 3 |
| 5th | Parazoo | Mrs.J.Hawkins | 9-2 | 27.34 | 4 |
| 6th | Solar Mars | Sam Ray | 9-2 | 27.44 | 1 |
Gold Collar, Catford (Sep 21, 610y, £2,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Leaders Champion | Dave Geggus | 8-11f | 35.02 | 1 |
| 2nd | Gay Kathy | Tom Johnston Jr. | 6-1 | 35.60 | 4 |
| 3rd | Merry Champion | Luckhurst | 3-1 | 36.06 | 3 |
| 4th | Ballytegan | Ken Usher | 6-1 | 36.12 | 6 |
| 5th | Breakaway Steve | | 25-1 | 36.34 | 5 |
| 6th | Millcock | Peter Payne | 7-1 | 36.60 | 2 |
Cesarewitch, Belle Vue (Sep 28, 880y, £2,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Westbrook Quinn | John Coulter | 7-2 | 52.17 | 5 |
| 2nd | Pitmans Brief | Jim Singleton | 7-4f | 52.31 | 4 |
| 3rd | Silver Sceptre | Reg Young | 4-1 | 52.39 | 2 |
| 4th | Chain Gang | Frank Melville | 2-1 | 52.49 | 3 |
| 5th | Kiwis Buster | D Exley | 10-1 | 52.71 | 1 |
| N/R | Lizzies Girl | E.Williams | | | 6 |
Oaks, Harringay (Nov 8, 525y, £1,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Lady Devine | Sid Ryall | 3-1 | 28.76 | 5 |
| 2nd | Gay Kathy | Tom Johnston Jr. | 4-1 | 28.94 | 1 |
| 3rd | Bo Bo's Jane | | 8-1 | 29.26 | 2 |
| 4th | Pineapple Grand | Frank Baldwin | 1-1f | 29.34 | 3 |
| 5th | Sweeping View | | 50-1 | 29.54 | 6 |
| 6th | Ballinderry Lass | Clare Orton | 16-1 | 29.66 | 4 |
BBC TV Trophy, White City (Nov 20, 880y, £1,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Stage Box | Natalie Savva | 51.75 | 16-1 | 4 |
| 2nd | Streaky Sheila | Charlie Coyle | 51.91 | 4-7f | 1 |
| 3rd | Silver Sceptre | Reg Young | 51.99 | 12-1 | 3 |
| 4th | Pitmans Brief | Jim Singleton | 52.43 | 7-2 | 2 |
| 5th | Gay Knight | Norman Oliver | 52.47 | 16-1 | 6 |
| 6th | Harmless Gossip | | 52.71 | 16-1 | 5 |

## Totalisator returns

Extended content :
The totalisator returns declared to the licensing authorities for the year 1974 are listed below.
Stadium
Turnover £
London (White City)7,509,284
London (Walthamstow)5,957,636
London (Wimbledon)4,914,878
London (Harringay)4,398,843
London (Catford)3,159,847
London (Wembley)2,900,581
Romford2,221,780
Manchester (Belle Vue)2,356,127
Brighton & Hove1,918,806
Edinburgh (Powderhall)1,903,889
Birmingham (Perry Barr, old)1,903,161
Crayford & Bexleyheath1,544,869
Glasgow (Shawfield)1,476,621
Birmingham (Hall Green)1,458,788
Southend-on-Sea1,371,804
Stadium
Turnover £
Newcastle (Brough Park)1,341,640
Slough1,336,330
Leeds (Elland Road)1,264,409
Sheffield (Owlerton)1,202,636
London (Hackney)1,116,943
Bristol (Eastville)957,041
Manchester (White City)934,147
Wolverhampton (Monmore)930,048
Gloucester & Cheltenham894,448
Cardiff (Arms Park)758,377
Rochester & Chatham730,422
Manchester (Salford)708,763
Newcastle (Gosforth)698,706
Derby666,492
Willenhall591,226
Stadium
Turnover £
Oxford585,823
Poole511,236
Portsmouth490,234
Ramsgate (Dumpton Park)426,285
Cradley Heath381,572
Hull (Old Craven Park)328,724
Middlesbrough317,448
Leicester (Blackbird Rd)266,733
Swindon260,046
Ipswich249,389
Preston193,721
Milton Keynes179,433
Rye House109,102
London (Watford)86,703 :