Golden Jacket, Crayford

(1) curraleigh rock 45.62
(3) blackrose dame 45.74 same race

(2) sidaz dippy 45.84

plenty of trouble that is a decent time by dippy, was chasing granted

Winja, Shanless Becky is all class. Been getting behind races in Ireland but capable of a handier lie. Marathon type and stays very well. Although no fireworks in Clonmel, Hills 16/1 was insulting, so went in again, each-way. Here's hoping!

July 2013

Shanless Becky has qualified for the the final of the 2013 Corn Cuchulainn in Harolds Cross.
On the day before she took her place in the semi-final as one of the favourites to win this prestigious competition, Greyhound Data (GD) got an opportunity to hear from her owner trainer, Brendan Cullen.

It would seem that Brendan is being forced into the limelight because of the exploits of this tremendous bitch. A well known greyhound reporter has already beaten us to a story! However, in the County of Tyrone there is never a shortage of great greyhound tales to be told...

Becky has been the topic of much discussion on the GD threads and has been referred to as the Pocket Rocket. Weighing in at only 53 lbs it is easy to understand where she got this name which was attributed to her in the Sporting Press following one of her scintillating wins around Dundalk Stadium. Brendan says that she’s really only 52 lbs but “ah well, sure we’ll not fall out over a pound!”

The Shanless prefix is probably more commonly associated with Shanless Slippy who won the English Derby in 1996. Shanless Becky hails from his bloodlines and from an outstanding line of Shanless broods including Shanless Rose who threw Shelbourne Becky winner of the Irish Oaks in 2006. The Shanless prefix belongs to Frank McGirr who reared Shanless Becky from a pup in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.

On the 7th July 2011 Becky was having her second race for Frank McGirr in Drumbo. Brendan was at the track that night and recalls what he saw, “Becky completely missed her break and was stone last, left about 15 lengths behind the field going around the first bend. Once she hit the third bend it was like someone released a rocket and she flew up the home straight to win the race. It was an unbelievable performance and I kept thinking about what I had just seen. So the next day Frank and I came to an arrangement and Becky came to live with me.”

It took a while for Becky to settle into her new kennel. She preferred to be kennelled on her own and it was not long before she became the boss of the kennel block. When asked about Becky’s character Brendan laughs, “She may only be 52 lbs but she acts like she’s 8 foot tall. It’s not the size of the dog that counts; it’s the size of its heart!”

Many of us probably first saw Becky in action on Sky TV night from Drumbo on 23rd June 2012 when she took a bump at the first bend but went on to win her Open 575 in 31.45. A few weeks later the Racing Manager from Dundalk asked Brendan if he would consider running Becky in the Open 600 on Dundalk International night. Brendan recalls how special that night was, “It was flattering to even have a dog on the race card in what is one of the biggest nights of the year for greyhound racing in Ireland, but Becky wasn’t fazed by the occasion and won in almost track record time.”

Becky is a lady for the big stage and on 8th September 2012, (Irish Derby Final night) she took the scalps of some of the best stayers in the country such as Future Boy, Razldazl Marilyn and Stallone (Risky) Bart, when winning the Open 750 in 41.79 at 7/1.

At this point Brendan decided to give Becky a rest as she was over 2 year old and had never come into season. So nature took its course and Becky returned after her seasonal break to start her preparation for the Guinness 600 in Shelbourne which was due to start in May 2013. What happened next was alarming to say the least....

On Easter Sunday 2013 Brendan went to Becky’s kennel to find her lying listless and clearly unwell. Without hesitation he drove her to an emergency vet.

Brendan narrates the next part of the story, “They put her on a drip and gave her some injections and sent us home with bags of fluids to give her overnight. I sat up with her all night and in the morning when she wasn’t any better my dad helped me to get her into the car with her drip bag and we headed off to the vet again. On arriving at the vet’s Becky started to pass blood and the outlook was very very bleak. I remember saying to Gerry Scullion (vet), just don’t let her die, and with that I spent the next week waiting by the phone for that dreaded call. After a week of intensive veterinary care, Gerry called to say it was time to come and pick up Becky as she had tried to nip him when he was putting in a new drip and that must be a sign that she was on the road to recovery! She had lost a lot of weight and her appetite was very poor so it took us weeks to nurse her back to health. Becky was however one of the lucky ones as Gerry said that there had been a bad virus going around that had killed some dogs and that if I had of delayed accessing emergency care then Becky may not be here today.”

So the man from Dungannon and his Pocket Rocket carry on their crusade with little else to prove. Brendan knows only too well how lucky he is to still have Becky. The performances that she has delivered in the first rounds of the Corn Cuchulainn have been sensational and whilst she has the heart of a lion on the track, her recovery from serious illness has been astounding and Brendan acknowledges “yes, she is only 52 lbs, but that’s most certainly all heart!” I’d doubt if anyone would argue with that!

Courtesy of Lynda Bonner
Greyhound Data Team Member

Didn't know all that. Glad she made a fine recovery. Only seen her race "live" a couple of times at Shelbourne, that was enough for me

Loyal Diva non runner 3rd semi

still no prices for Saturday SF's 5 days after the heats, clearly the books do not want to lay any single bets

I want a new coat tomorrow , paid and made from MINK !!!!!

Dame doesn't appear to stay too well but is absolutely massive at 12'2 here, with the prosprect of trouble on yhe outer.

Mink non stayer over that trip

borna different gear ! no mink coat
but maybe some honey next week !

I assume it was running very slow this morning fatty, very slow times

4/5 Hometown Honey should prove very hard to beat, got her much shorter than that. Ought to prove too speedy for her rivals and stays. Doubt very much Sidarian Jaguar will lead again and will find it tough pegging back Honey. Remains to be seen what Shanless Becky would do with a clear run but gets behind, has no trackcraft around this tight circuit and looks sure to run into the back of rivals again, a second slower than Honey split times alone in semis. Lenson Pele needs a flier but even so, unlikely to keep going, imo. Midway Nick seems held and Boltatwelldigger doesn't look quite up to the class.

Got 16/1 Shanless Becky and 33/1 Boltatwelldigger, both each-way antepost but think the place money, first 3, best to hope for. Becky would be a big payday but needs luck and Digger has a verdict over Jaguar but not sure to confirm the form.

Good luck!

I could do with Honey being shorter on here as I have her at 7s and would like to lay off a bit. Also have 25s EW Nick. Not sure about the draw for him now. I love Becky's determination but she does seem to find trouble. Is a great final and very happy to have got my two through and will concentrate on the supporting races now. The maxi marathon should be interesting!
Glad to hear Sharies Miller is ok; looked worse than it was.

good draw for Nick imo catford, i think he could be fair value at 12s plus on a level track, we all have to remember honey is no angel if the 4 got close early be interesting to how they both reacted to one another.. then 5 becomes a big runner aswell

I'm on honey 12s and 8s
she run runs that 1st bend awful 
She had two pretty straight forward heats
now she as jaguar and pele I think nick got a great draw
Irish bitch wants just that bit more !
Hope to lay bottle off cheer her home !
Got me eye on two others !

Money for Becky. Into 5/1 now, hope it's inspired cash. I did estimate she lost 7 lengths and impetus in running during the semis but still feel Honey needs to be below par for a big payday

How do people see the race going?  I think that Mick and Pele having inner boxes scuppers their chances. Digger fluffed his lines in the semi but can still do some damage here - like hampering the two inside and hogging the run up to the first bend.
Jaguar has run well so far but this inner box is a test - difficult to foresee how he'll box and run. If he can share the lead coming out of the second he has every chance.  Becky has run so well to make it but finding trouble at Crayford is becoming her norm, and is a huge handicap.  With a clear run she wins for me, but is most unlikely to get one. She powers into these bends though and needs a clear run around the first and second to make hay around the third and fourth.  If she makes the back straight second time around in third spot the two in front will need to be at their very best to hold on. However it is all "ifs" with her isn't it?! Honey has a fantastic draw and has never been better. To win this she has to complete a four timer but she is so much more consistent these days.  She has shown that she can do it from the front or come from off the early pace, so has to be taken to win but the Irish took this last year and with pace like that are a big threat!?
Anyone?

midway nick will not suffer from this draw at all imo honcho be on likely worst of the ground if wet tho?

its possible becky be so outpaced wont find trouble early this time just sit in last and hope the race gets run slow, 6&4 taking an interest in one another rather than concentrating on the job, imo that itself is no big price if they are within a length of each other at any point

not had a bet yet will wait to see ground conditions

wish sidaz dippy had back run nick in semi's, 4th fastest time of semi's didn't make final and would have had some make up..oh well

12 lengths to make up on Honey from semi times
51/2 from the first rd times, that's bit of running to do in my book + honey waiting to break down she tip top form befor she breaks into season (the two times you follow a bitch just befor and 15 weeks out)!
If this was say Coventry I'd say she have chance ! It's crayford
Out in front is where u want to be !
Is honey 4-5 poke no! way to short
5/4 more like it
The effort the track put into makeing fair in this weather
Been outstanding (why can't it be the norm ?)
Like taking from trees per jacket 6 had nice strip ! Run up !

Thanks for the insight guys.  Every opinion helps in the make-up of opinion, if you see what I mean.  I hear that Honey going into season is no longer a kennel worry.

What if Becky suddenly gets out a bit sharpish ? (you heard it here first )

prob best she doesn't irish imo, would still be outpaced but more chance of running into trouble

if your on 5 you just want honey to have a piggy day

Well, here's hoping. Re-Peter Bussey, had a nice bet Sharies Miller at 12/1 but ko'd when disputing the lead at the bend, race void and never ran in the re-run. No interest betting-wise in that event for me now

ON THE BRIDGE 6/4 bussey

can see all the field going up bridge rail them off + hes 4 from 4 at crayford

spoke to the trainer of nick he says no chance from that trap says theres a real bias towards the outside.

Of what I've seen past few weeks it been pretty even spread!
Again today !

its been relentless mid to wide last few months, its graded on it now so that's why looks reasonable on graded results

Holding each-way tickets of 8/1 and 16/1 Shanless Becky and 33/1 Boltatwelldigger, it could be a big payday, but really think Hometown Honey got one paw on the Jacket already. Think they've been guessing at the going allowances but Honey deffo got a few lengths in hand on the clock. Will be very surprised if nearest danger Sidarian Jaguar shows early again in this hotter final and Becky got a mountain to climb, set to get behind and run into trouble, yet again. Just hoping for the place money with her and Digger. Lenson Pele and Midway Nick make it a good looking final on paper but think there's only going to be one winner.

Got each-way outsiders for the hurdles and Peter Bussey, waiting for all to price up, but wouldn't want to be touching the Maxi Marathon.

Good luck!

Digger, Jaguar and Honey only need to share similar early speed for a crunch to hamper them all around first and second.  If that happens, Becky will have a great chance.  All she needs is one clear run round an early bend - preferably first and second, to secure a run.  She has pace to burn and I've never seen any dog power into the Crayford bends like she does.

Musical fawn 100/30 3/1
Bridge bandit 6/4
Honey 12/1 8/1
Getting myself ready for day well morning on the piss
At crayford !!!!

Obviously, will need some luck but 25/1 apiece Westmead Charlot and Aero Jimenez in the Chief Ramsbottom hurdle and Peter Bussey respectively, both each-way. You may say I need my bumps feeling, but Charlot ahead of much shorter Stellars Blue at Sittingbourne last time and that run doesn't put her that far behind a principal contender Lollylips. Also considering Mash Mad Snowy left the money in the satchels with a badly troubled run when last over course and distance and hurdle racing the most unpredictable of disciplines, just taking the race for what it is.

In the case of Jimenez, can start well, lacks a yard or two of pace, but comes again. Crowded last time and about 4 lengths to find with warm fav and reigning champion Bridge Bandit may not be insurmountable, very low risk at that price anyway.

Oh well, know said wouldn't like to touch Maxi Marathon but didn't think Em Millie as short as evens (lay) and Lady Belle as big as 12/1 (play, each-way.)

Good luck!

Have fun, Fatty! . Don't forget to come home for the racing at Shelbourne tonight!

nobody has been guessing the going allowances woody stop being a simpleton

nothing ante post but betting nick and plenty of dogs up the inside today, got faith from results of last few races last night

midway nick got better times than honey round coventry and wimbledon 6 bends and a nice make up inside 2 who could take the field out? 12s too big win or lose imo

Nick's trainer said he got no chance I heard on RPGTV?

because of the ground he has witnessed, he knows fck all about crayford the rest of the time

Okay Czech. Personally, I like Nick as a dog but cant lead Pele and may struggle, imo

trainers only know there own dogs, you think they watch videos of other runners and do there own going allowances, thats a full time job in itself let alone looking after loads of dogs

its not about if he leads pele, pele will move off and likely finish last imo cant do the times

i'll have a match if you like nick v pele ?

No ta, but think it's all academic. Honey wins

come outside the box woody, you might actually win some £

gl

Evens Millie looks a steal

Do you think so Deptford. I find over that kind of distance, dogs can get their second wind and anything could happen?

wrong again woody lol

inside dogs would have fair chances first few graded races level track, so good acid test on the ground for the big races later on

its crayford tho nothing would surprise me could be 5 lengths quicker wide yet again... yawn

Think I need to go back to school!

I cant see it being beat for the life of me, out now to watch it all, good luck to everyone

Safe journey

we have all tried to help you, try thinking before typing

midway nick on the spreads total value @7

going low also.... come on rails give them a bit of life for a change

gl all

Cant, I act on impulse. Black or white to me, sometimes

pele a non runner according to betfair?

Yeah, trap vac. 365 already re-formed the market

pele couldnt win gave nick a better chance tho, now 12s becomes sp, i can see him going off 7s :( and dont like him so much without the GK

365 only docked Nick a point, from 8s to 7s

not as much value, 2 made his race for him and couldnt win so lost 5 points odd for nothing, no way as good a bet

Agree, Pele not crucial. See what you can get on here later?

Does the first race result suggest that the inside has firmed up a bit? pls.

I'm sure conns. of Shanless Becky feel Pele's non-involvement is pretty crucial!

it has ££££ you cant beat the ground :) lucky us guessers are on top of it woody

2nd race result would seem to indicate all is well for the railers this morning.

good old crayford, like finding in the street when levels up :)

barking mad and bannanas nice start

Not sure Honcho. Pele would just have been another dog for Becky to pass. Was saying Pele out not crucial re-the chances of Nick, as Czech points out, wouldn't be worth the loss of 12/1 for about 7/1

if you're in front already Czech well done - it is all risk after all.

i wonder whether Simon still thinks nick cannot win due to ground..

Right.  Sorry woody, didn't interpret it well.  That';s my point though - one less dog for Becky to pass and a possible gap rails to middle at the bends.  I think Nick conns. will be enthused now, don't you?

well infront had 2 trios and sitting on the spreads, just a case of how much now honcho, cheers

taking a chance on the debutante in ramsbottom in red at 20s as well, stays all day, if can jump would take advantage of a default race and it happens in 540 hurdles lol

As I said, I like Midway Nick and could have every chance but still feel got a bit to find

Btw guys, I think I have unearthed a very decent 4/1 shot at SPk tonight.  I risk he's improving a little and that he is fully recovered from whatever ailed him but conns. thought this one good enough to play in the 'don Derby last year and, he is in from trap 5 to trap 2 tonight in what looks a very winnable heat.  Farloe Calvin, 10.15.  Admittedly he has a task in beating the red down but I have a hunch.

has he got to find anything if the track has a 6-7 length swing from wide to rails woody..

oioi knowledge is power

Good luck, Czech.

Honcho, Calvin is basically a fast/short runner but plugged on gamely last time. Think he could go close

My Charlot 43/1 on here. Didn't run like it but at least got the place money. As I always say, anything can happen in hurdle racing

cast and trio had a 50 the red at 20s tho, over a grand for nothing

Oh, miss heard the result. Oi oi, what a beano!

Think outside the box, Czech

red hit front and idled sick another bag that way

Unlucky, heard mine hit the last two. This is part and parcel of these races

Going to watch the Jacket

Good luck!

213 again :)

Not lifting a leg on this outside !

Just have too look at results

i would say crayford is the worst running surface one day its outside today its inside no rain no snow no frost just a joke

when was the last time inside runners at crayford had a chance please mdm?

has not chopped and changed at all, been against railers for 2 months at least

you prob watch crayford twice a year so how would you know?

split screen with kenilworth- you avin a laugh

Oioi honey on a very inside track !
And 5 who turned handy !

the last 2 months with all the rain yes your right outside outside but today no weather problems a total joke

its not an inside track for open racers just graders who have been graded on a wide bias coming good, hope that helps

wd 6 backers she deserved it overall, how 5 didn't win turned untouched thru a gap couldn't get her

yes mdm spot on rain wide rain wide, no rain = level

railers at last got a chance on a level track

Becky every chance but sadly for me, couldn't quite get there. Mustnt grumble though, at least got the 16/1 place money

Just shows how good Honey is. 5 had a lot of time to make up and her clear run was no certainty of winning, for me.  Honey is a real top-notcher nowadays.  What a great job Imperial Kennels have done with her.

woodmanchester  • February 22, 2014 12:48 PM GMT  "Becky every chance but sadly for me, couldn't quite get there. Mustnt grumble though, at least got the 16/1 place money" 


So we can ignore this one Woody can we ?

woodmanchester  16 Jan 14 09:21 
Played 8/1 Shanless Becky and 14/1 Droopys Posh, each-way.

I'd be interested to know whether the bag of sand Becky won for 2nd place covered kennel expenses for all of their time and costs of running her here three times?  I doubt it.  Top effort bringing her - well done.

No way ... it was there to win. Over here people do people favours like that for nothing, because you never know when you might need peoples help, over there its more a case of "How much ?"

Marathon and hurdle races: Pot luck

Sorry to hear that irish though recently Liam Dowling and Paul Hennessy have praised the hospitality they've received on their visits.  Seamus Graham also praised the help he got from Nick Savva with Premier Fantasy. Maybe it's not as bad as you think.

Oh no tbf at that level you are right HONCHO , Charlie and PJ for example as well, but you have a dog for three weeks in your kennel its gotta be a ton minimum, not to mention transporting, all the hidden costs, it would certainly be close, the ferry is two ton return at least

Woody you have no proper evidence to back up that statement , have you ?

Oioi fawn !!!
Not to far

That's a bonus. Been paid out on Digger, 4th 33/1. Thought it was only 1,2,3

Great result for you, Fatty. Knew you would back a winner, one day!

Oi   Oi   Oi.
LoyalHoncho • February 22, 2014 11:22 AM GMT
Btw guys, I think I have unearthed a very decent 4/1 shot at SPk tonight.  I risk he's improving a little and that he is fully recovered from whatever ailed him but conns. thought this one good enough to play in the 'don Derby last year and, he is in from trap 5 to trap 2 tonight in what looks a very winnable heat.  Farloe Calvin, 10.15.  Admittedly he has a task in beating the red down but I have a hunch.

"Crayford put on a great show as they always do for their showpiece competition and thoughts have already turned to next year with plans to increase the prize-money even further, and possibly extend it to a 48 runner competition".

Thoughts guys?  Personally I feel the current format is fine - two runs then the final within a space of 14 days, with a trial or trial stake thrown in before that remember.  Stayers we're talking about here after all.