# 2011 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year

The 2011 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 86th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

## Summary

Taylors Sky claimed the headlines during the year with his 2011 English Greyhound Derby triumph but Blonde Snapper also impressed by virtue of winning the William Hill Classic and Eden Star arrived on the scene with his Puppy Derby, the Romford Puppy Cup and Laurels victories. The Scottish Greyhound Derby went to Charlie Lister for the sixth time, with the greyhound Taylors Cruise, and he also won his third trainers championship.
Charlie Lister was rewarded for his services to greyhound racing when being honoured with an O.B.E in the New Year Honours. He became the first ever trainer to be recognised and ended 2011 with six English Derbies, six Scottish Derbies, 46 major competitions, four trainer of the year awards and five trainers championship wins.

### Tracks

Hopes were still high that Walthamstow Stadium could be saved, Henlow Stadium owner Bob Morton pledged to keep it alive and provide 500 jobs. However, the longer it remained unused, the less likely it was that it would return to use as a greyhound track. Towards the end of the year plans were released by developer London and Quadrant to build 294 homes on the site which created an added supporter in favour of saving the stadium in the form of the newly formed residents association. The iconic entrance sign to the stadium would continue to be seen regardless of the outcome because it was giving a listed building status.
Newbridge in County Kildare suffered a closure in March but was soon purchased by Morgan & Franklin Consortium headed by Managing Director, David Morgan. Morgan had worked at a senior level with Bord na gCon in the past and was also the stadium director for Semple Stadium a hurling venue. The consortium included Peter Franklin, former head of marketing at the Bord Na gCon.
Independent stadium Ayr (Whitletts at Voluntary Park) closed after the local council had health and safety concerns.

### Competitions

BAGS (Bookmakers’ Afternoon Greyhound Service) and S.I.S introduced a track championship in which Monmore won the final on home turf.
The Northern Irish Derby was introduced and carried a £25,000 prize, the richest ever held in Northern Ireland. The event was to be held at Drumbo Park. There was a dead heat in the Cesarewitch between Farloe Kraven and Westmead Palace.

### News

A series of owner’s bonus series races were introduced by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, the governing body. Hall Green trainer Mark Barlow relinquished his licence after being suspended for six months by the GBGB; the prominent trainer took the decision because he felt the suspension over one of his greyhounds vomiting on course was unjust. Long serving Romford trainer Peter Payne retired after ill health. 2010 greyhound of the year Jimmy Lollie won the Festival Flyer at Sunderland and Coral Sprint at Hove before finally being retired in October after 125 races. Chris Allsopp of Monmore was trainer of the year.

## Roll of honour

Major Winners :
| Award | Name of Winner |
| 2011 English Greyhound Derby | Taylors Sky |
| 2011 Irish Greyhound Derby | Razldazl George |
| Greyhound Trainer of the Year | Chris Allsopp |
| Greyhound of the Year | Taylors Sky |
| Irish Dog and Bitch of the Year | Razldazl George / Droopys Twirl |
Betfair Trainers Championship, Wimbledon Stadium (Mar 22) :
| Pos | Name of Trainer | Points |
| 1st | Charlie Lister OBE | 44 |
| 2nd | Chris Allsopp | 40 |
| 3rd | Mark Wallis | 39 |
| 4th | Pat Rosney | 33 |
| 4th | Paul Young | 28 |
| 6th | Seamus Cahill | 24 |
BAGS/SIS Track Championship, Monmore (Dec 23) :
| Pos | Track | Points |
| 1st | Monmore | 42 |
| 2nd | Hall Green | 37 |
| 3rd | Romford | 27 |
| 4th | Hove | 24 |
| 5th | Belle Vue | 24 |
| 6th | Newcastle | 13 |

### Principal UK finals

Ladbrokes Golden Jacket, Crayford (Feb 26, 714m, £15,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Bush Paddy | Kelly Findlay | 9-2 | 47.39 | 1 |
| 2nd | Swabys Onenut | Paul Young | 2-1f | 47.81 | 6 |
| 3rd | Lottes Girl | Kevin Hutton | 5-1 | 48.21 | 4 |
| 4th | Group Skater | Paul Hennessy | 4-1 | 48.29 | 5 |
| 5th | Lorrys Options | Dean Childs | 4-1 | 48.55 | 3 |
| 6th | Rancey Beauty | Paul Garland | 14-1 | 48.83 | 2 |
Bettor.com Scottish Derby, Shawfield (Apr 16, 480m, £25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Taylors Cruise | Charlie Lister OBE | 6-4f | 29.26 | 1 |
| 2nd | Pablo Supreme | Owen McKenna | 7-2 | 29.38 | 5 |
| 3rd | Farloe Force | Owen McKenna | 4-1 | 29.48 | 4 |
| 4th | Beaming Dilemma | Pat Buckley | 3-1 | 29.64 | 3 |
| 5th | Bubby Razldazl | Paul Young | 4-1 | 29.66 | 2 |
| N/R | Westmead Grant | Chris Allsopp | disq+ | | 6 |
Blue Square TV Trophy, Sittingbourne (May 4, 893m, £6,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Knockies Hannah | John Mullins | 7-4 | 57.30 | 1 |
| 2nd | Minnies Penske | Tony Collett | 6-4f | 57.35 | 5 |
| 3rd | Slick Sapphire | Keith Allsop | 11-2 | 57.58 | 3 |
| 4th | Aero Gaga | Paul Young | 12-1 | 57.97 | 4 |
| 5th | Killishin Masai | Chris Kyme | 4-1 | 58.00 | 2 |
| 6th | Ministry Magpie | Lorraine Sams | N/R | lame | 6 |
William Hill Grand Prix, Sunderland (Jul 14, 640m, £15,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Blonde Fletch | Mark Wallis | 7-4f | 39.45 | 3 |
| 2nd | Bower Hawk | Pat Rosney | 8-1 | 39.47 | 4 |
| 3rd | Nyla Fantasy | Michael Walsh | 2-1 | 39.67 | 1 |
| 4th | Droopys Hester | Jimmy Wright | 8-1 | 39.71 | 5 |
| 5th | Droopys Luisao | Jimmy Wright | 5-2 | 39.72 | 6 |
| 6th | Melview Ace | Gordon Thompson | 16-1 | 39.82 | 2 |
William Hill Classic, Sunderland (Jul 14, 450m, £25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Blonde Snapper | Mark Wallis | 5-2 | 26.59+ | 4 |
| 2nd | Lampard | Jimmy Little | 6-1 | 26.67 | 5 |
| 3rd | Jordansoilutions | Charlie Lister OBE | 14-1 | 27.03 | 2 |
| 4th | Magna Buddy | Jimmy Wright | 6-4f | 27.20 | 3 |
| 5th | Westmead Guru | Kelly Findlay | 4-1 | 27.44 | 1 |
| 6th | Skywalker Gold | Ted Soppitt | 11-2 | 27.57 | 6 |
Primus Saver Grand National, Wimbledon (Aug 30, 480mH, £7,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Victoria Falls | Richard Rees | 25-1 | 29.80 | 2 |
| 2nd | Clonkeen Theo | Jason Foster | 9-1 | 29.81 | 4 |
| 3rd | Swift Defender | Barry O'Sullivan | 12-1 | 29.94 | 1 |
| 4th | Farloe Skywalker | Matt Dartnall | 2-1jf | 30.20 | 5 |
| 5th | Forest Rico | Derek Knight | 7-2 | 30.24 | 3 |
| 6th | Blackhall Prince | Chris Kyme | 2-1jf | 30.56 | 6 |
East Anglian Derby, Yarmouth (Sep 15, 462m, £12,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Ballymac Ace | Chris Allsopp | 7-2 | 27.89 | 3 |
| 2nd | Taylors Cruise | Charlie Lister OBE | 9-4 | 27.95 | 1 |
| 3rd | Rookery Pedro | Mark Wallis | 8-1 | 28.13 | 6 |
| 4th | Yahoo Jamie | Charlie Lister OBE | 5-4f | 28.16 | 5 |
| 5th | Romeo Reason | Liz McNair | 6-1 | 28.30 | 4 |
| 6th | Holycross Prince | John Mullins | 12-1 | 28.35 | 2 |
William Hill St Leger, Wimbledon (Oct 4, 687m, £6,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Aero Majestic | Mark Wallis | 11-4 | 41.62 | 2 |
| 2nd | Capoley Ash | Barrie Draper | 3-1 | 41.80 | 4 |
| 3rd | Curragh Kewell | Charles Fanous | 6-1 | 42.02 | 1 |
| 4th | Blue Bee | Matt Dartnall | 2-1f | 42.02 | 3 |
| 4th | Penskey Rain | Kevin Hutton | 16-1 | 42.12 | 6 |
| 6th | Darts Wizard | Philip Simmonds | 8-1 | 42.27 | 5 |
Betfair Laurels, Belle Vue (Nov 8, 470m, £6,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Eden Star | Barrie Draper | 4-9f | 27.27 | 3 |
| 2nd | Longwood Fantasy | Stuart Mason | 12-1 | 27.37 | 4 |
| 3rd | Tudor Prince | Harry Williams | 4-1 | 27.43 | 1 |
| 4th | Onceo Black | Julie Bateson | 13-2 | 27.83 | 6 |
| 5th | Whitefort Mac | Kim Billingham | 14-1 | 27.91 | 5 |
| 6th | Onyougojoe | George Oswald | 25-1 | 27.99 | 2 |
William Hill Oaks, Wimbledon (Dec 8, 480m, £6,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Silverview Perky | Charlie Lister OBE | 1-1f | 28.40 | 5 |
| 2nd | Droopys Aretha | Seamus Cahill | 40-1 | 28.90 | 3 |
| 3rd | Boher Princess | Charlie Lister OBE | 8-1 | 28.93 | 1 |
| 4th | Thurlesbeg Bound | Seamus Cahill | 12-1 | 29.09 | 6 |
| 5th | Spinkys Nod | John Gammon | 2-1 | 29.10 | 2 |
| 6th | Droopys Lona | Dean Childs | 8-1 | 29.16 | 4 |

### Principal Irish finals

College Causeway/Killahan Phanter Easter Cup, Shelbourne (Apr 16, 550y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Makeshift | Dolores Ruth | 2-1f | 29.59 | 2 |
| 2nd | Razldazl George | Dolores Ruth | 3-1 | 29.60 | 3 |
| 3rd | Slippery Bob | Larry Dunne | 4-1 | 30.05 | 1 |
| 4th | Broadstrand Lad | John Linehan | 4-1 | 30.16 | 5 |
| 5th | Cian Abbey | Paul Sharkey | 8-1 | 30.30 | 6 |
| 6th | Hello Ringo | Paul Hennessy | 40-1 | 30.32 | 4 |
Red Mills Produce, Clonmel (May 1, 525y, €24,500) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Whiteys Hawk | Declan Byrne | 7-1 | 28.38 | 2 |
| 2nd | Uncle Eoin | James Robinson | 7-4f | 28.48 | 6 |
| 3rd | St Louis Charlie | Jerry Griffin | 3-1 | 28.66 | 3 |
| 4th | Bit View Micko | Philip Dillon | 8-1 | 28.69 | 1 |
| 5th | Broadstrand Dan | Vincent O'Donovan | 4-1 | 29.22 | 4 |
| 6th | Colourful Bolt | Mick Delahunty | 5-2 | 29.71 | 5 |
Bettor.com Northern Irish Derby, Drumbo Park (June 25, 550y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Loughview Gem | Francis O'Brien | 5-1 | 29.56 | 3 |
| 2nd | Star Head | Brian Macklin | 14-1 | 29.77 | 2 |
| 3rd | Leeview Jet | Graham Holland | 1-2f | 29.84 | 1 |
| 4th | Rafas Wee Pet | Ronnie McKeown | 10-1 | 29.85 | 4 |
| 5th | Cian Abbey | Paul Sharkey | 6-1 | 30.02 | 6 |
| 6th | Elwick Bolero | Jimmy Brown | 6-1 | 30.23 | 56 |
Sporting Press Oaks, Shelbourne (Jun 25, 525y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Droopys Twirl | John Linehan | 2-1 | 28.42 | 3 |
| 2nd | Mozzletoff | Marie Gilbert | 6-4f | 28.43 | 6 |
| 3rd | Maggies Whistle | Colin Adamson | 10-1 | 28.59 | 1 |
| 4th | Mutual Decision | John McGee | 5-1 | 29.11 | 2 |
| 5th | Jimney Cricket | Michael Mulleady | 33-1 | 29.23 | 5 |
| 6th | Cool It Baby | Trevor Cummins | 4-1 | 31.63 | 4 |
Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger, Limerick (Jul 2, 550y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | What A Tornado | Paul Hennessy | 7-4f | 29.58 | 2 |
| 2nd | Varra Captain | Maura Casey | 5-1 | 29.61 | 4 |
| 3rd | Shelbourne Geoff | Brian King | 5-1 | 29.62 | 6 |
| 4th | Hey Gringo | Peter Cronin | 10-1 | 29.73 | 1 |
| 5th | Judicial Academy | Michael O'Donovan | 2-1 | 29.76 | 5 |
| 6th | Inislosky Magoo | Mary Crotty | 12-1 | 29.80 | 3 |
Townviewfoods.com Champion Stakes, Shelbourne (Jul 23, 550y, €20,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Uncle Eoin | James Robinson | 6-1 | 29.81 | 6 |
| 2nd | Razldazl Jayfkay | Dolores Ruth | 2-1jf | 29.89 | 5 |
| 3rd | Tyrur Domingo | Conor Fahy | 5-1 | 30.01 | 1 |
| 4th | Kingo | Dolores Ruth | 12-1 | 30.07 | 4 |
| 5th | Broadstrand Lad | John Linehan | 2-1jf | 30.19 | 2 |
| 6th | Colorful Champ | Paul Hennessy | 6-1 | 30.31 | 3 |
HX Bookmakers Puppy Derby, Harolds Cross (Oct 7, 525y, €25,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Sparta Maestro | Philip Gough | 5-4f | 28.59 | 5 |
| 2nd | Callums Flash | John Kiely | 6-1 | 28.67 | 6 |
| 3rd | Ruthless Man | John McGee | 11-1 | 28.99 | 4 |
| 4th | Swift Marathon | Seamus Graham | 6-4 | 29.02 | 2 |
| 5th | Incitatus | Pat Buckley | 16-1 | 29.34 | 3 |
| 6th | Movealong Dash | William Barry | 5-1 | 29.78 | 1 |
Pat Hennerty Sales Laurels, Cork (Oct 22, 525y, €30,000) :
| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| 1st | Razldazl Rioga | Dolores Ruth | 7-2 | 28.32 | 6 |
| 2nd | Beaming Dilemma | Pat Buckley | 6-1 | 28.67 | 2 |
| 3rd | Varra Captain | Owen McKenna | 13-1 | 28.84 | 4 |
| 4th | Deerfield Music | Maurice O'Connor | 6-4f | 28.95 | 1 |
| 5th | Leeview Jet | Graham Holland | 2-1 | 29.05 | 3 |
| N/R | St Louis Charlie | Jerry Griffin | lame | | 5 |