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I’d like to start this report extending enormous gratitude to Wendy Freeman, Alpha Feeds & Whippet News, sponsors of this years Derby, I know you the racers are ALL very appreciative.
Thanks also to Geoff & Hazel & co for all their hard work...as usual, long before, during and after the event, also to Mike (Trelawney’s Girl) & Russell (Bigland Bailey) who also rolled up their sleeves getting the track just so.
I must also mention Jim Smith from Scotland who kindly sponsors the Puppy Derby Jackets, and finally to Jan Phillips & Tim Smith from ALPHA FEEDS who did us very proud once again with their extremely popular bags of complete food, which were duly presented to all the winners, I know more and more of you are using Alpha Feeds and achieving excellent results from doing so.
The weather this year was much better than we have endured in the past, with a full week of glorious sunshine. We arrived Wednesday, but had travelled down a few weeks beforehand helping out where we could, taking a trailer down with traps & fence posts and general sort out. On the ‘day’ we were packed out, trophies, jackets, raffles, etc, etc.
We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Cullompton. The majority of the days were sunny & very warm, The planned nights out went down well, although not many came down for the Thursday Quiz/bingo (called by Ray)/skittles night, but the Friday disco thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and the hugely attended, end of the week football match/children’s games/BBQ afternoon, again a great laugh and enjoyed by all……thanks to those who kindly donated raffle prizes & to Lynda & Wendy for their generous donation.
Back to the Derby…….We had an excellent high class entry of 122 competing, only eight short of last year, so a very impressive turnout. Racers as usual were dotted in and around the Cullompton area, all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their stay in sunny Devon.
Thanks also go to Marcus & John of Cullompton Rangers who made us all very welcome throughout the racing holiday. I can’t go without mentioning the hardworking team who kept things going, before & during the weekend. They are of course; Dave Waldron on the lure, Porky, Piglet & Ray on the line, Trap-men; Dennis Cockram & Andy Pockett, Ray & Paul weighing-in, Vicky helping me with entries and the programmes, Lynne Rowley did the all important photocopying, Mal the raffle, Halfway; Lisa & Lyndon, Jane Rowell continuity & the mike (she never stopped and was a gear help keeping things moving swiftly), all helped immensely on the judge line to keep things moving swiftly along, Blind cards; Ray & Bet, plus several others helped as and when needed ….apologies if I have missed anyone out, as usual the old brain is not what it used to be, these dedicated, enthusiastic workers all pulled their weight over weekend!
Saturday morning arrived, this year everyone seemed bright and lively (not many with thick heads). We soon set up the weigh-in approx 9 o’clock in the Football club, the entry of 122 dogs wasn’t bad considering many racers just couldn’t make the weekend either because of school exams or because of the long distance & time off work. The line of owners & dogs weighing in was quickly got through, the programme drawn and racing under way by about 12.30 after a minor blip with the printing!!!
We soon had things under-way with the No Limit Derby final; only five entrants this year which included last years Derby winner Pat & Bob’s Our Ebby this her debut run for a while, Russell’s Bigland Bailey (last years Yearling Scr Derby winner), Bet’s Pasha, virtual local dogs Cornish Legend & Red Stripe….The winner Mike Palmer’s RED STRIPE (Hellbound x Ghd) 8.61, a big well done to both Mike and this classy h/w dog, only 6 spots short of last years winner. This dog flew from trap to line deservedly taking the ‘Whole Lotta Rosie Trophy donated by Linda Broom & Hilda McKenzie, also Derby Velvet Jacket & £60 Derby prize-money. Past winners in this category have included some of the sports h/w legends; Mad Hatter with a brilliant three time record, Denis the Menace & Mickey Whizz both two time winners, also Sugar Daddy, Her Sister, Stormbird, NE1 & last year; Our Ebby.
40lb Derby Racing for ‘Scr Sup Rch Chunky Trophy’ donated by Rose & Alan Unwin. Again a straight final with only 4 entrants (£20 taken)….John & Fiona’s Wintermoon, Steve & Dot’s M2G, Geoff & Hazel’s duo; Jack Junior & Sugar Mouse. It was Hazel & Geoff’s SUGAR MOUSE (Sugar Daddy x Maisey Grey) who retained her crown to take the well-deserved spoils in a fine run from kennelmate Jack Junior who was only a short head away 8.68, Mouse etching her name for the second year running, winning £60 and Derby velvet presentation jacket. Past winners of this trophy include scratch greats; Casino with no less than 3 superb wins, Stormbird, Southern Fox, Kaiser Chief, Simpson, Show Three, Chunky, No Surrender and of course last year Bagheera.
No Limit Yearling Derby; A straight final for the Malachai Mem Trophy, donated by Krystal & Ricky Bentley, it was Russell King’s PURELY BELTER 8.84 kennelmate Bigland Bailey was last years winner so Russell gets to take the trophy home once again, well done Russell also won £20 plus a velvet jacket, r-up Boscowan Boy. Pat winners; Bullybeef, John Doe, Kaiser Chief & of course Bigland Bailey.
No Limit Veteran Derby Racing for ‘Helen’s Boy trophy’ donated by Ray Harvey, proudly won by a delighted Jacqui Glover with her beautiful parti-coloured boy AVIT (Gillette x Taylor Maid) 8.80 from One’s Cushti Bok, Meb’s Rosie & past winner Hellbent. Well done! Jive Talk, Hellbent & also Bigland Vixen have all added their names onto this beautiful trophy.
Sup Scr run off; For the ‘NE1 Trophy’ donated by Lynn & Trevor Rowley. Avit withdrew leaving a fine race with Mike Palmer’s RED STRIPE the victor in a great race from Geoff & Hazel’s Sugar Mouse (last yrs sup) from Purely Belter in third. Past winners have been; Bagheera, Kaiser Chief, Bullybeef & Sugar Mouse.
Bitch Puppy Derby Racing for the ‘W News Bitch Puppy Trophy’. A class final with 2 entrants Weardale Weasel & Midnight Belle, WEARDALE WEASEL (Wor John x Weardale Lass) 9.32 the fine victor of the class & then Puppy Derby bitch final in a solo run for Chris Horsnall, taking £40, Derby Jacket & Trophy.
Past winners of this trophy have been; Cracker, Little Madam, Xquisite, Elbon Sioux, One’s Sassy & One’s Mystic for Tony Cooper, Bits n Pieces, Mai zee Mu, Mine’s a Double, The Magster & Sapphire Flash.
Dog Puppy Derby Racing for the ‘W News Dog Puppy Trophy’ 2 entrants, class winners; Chocolate Boots 24lb 9.55 & Eastender 26lb 9.28. Congrats to Rae & Ray Bourne who were delighted with EASTENDER 9.04 superbly taking the Trophy, £40 and Velvet Jacket, r-up Mark & Andrea’s Chocolate Boots £20.
Past winners; Temper, Crack o Dawn, Lennox, Indian Ink, One’s Cushti Too, One Off, The Ghost, Nevada, Kentucky, Kai Sera & Zeus.
Puppy Derby supreme - Racing for the ‘Laurabenora Trophy’ donated by Shaun & Helen Callon. Ray & Rae’s talented youngster EASTENDER scooped yet another top award in 9.04 eating up the 6yds deficit with Weardale Weasel having to settle for r-up, more to come from these pups. Some of the other past winners; Cracker, Little Madam, Xquisite, One’s Sassy & One’s Mystic, Kentucky, The Magster & Sapphire Flash.
Bitch Yearling Derby- ‘Lucarnie Mem trophy’ donated by W News. 20lb; One’s Genevieve 16lb 9.57, from sister Evolution, Life on Mars & Pocket Rocket. 25lb; Spider’s Legacy 24lb 9.40 from Digga Whizz & Twinklebelle. 30lb; Relentless 27lb 9.21 from Sparklin Whizz. 35lb; Floless 33lb 9.15 from Deneside Alice. The final winner came from Tony & Vera’s highly impressive tiny youngster ONE’S GENEVIEVE (Streisand x Drama Queen) 9.60 another top class win for her, from Toni, Tam & Shelly’s homebred Relentless (Maid your Point x Shameless), 3rd Shirley’s homebred Spider’s Legacy (Tinkerman x Spider’s Lady), 4 Ken Woodhead’s Floless w/d. Past winners include; K-Sera, Lucarni, She’s the Tops, Polar Promise, Our Amy, Cacharel, Spot Black, Meg’s Wish & Dark Gem.
Dog Yearling Derby Racing for the ‘Lucarnie Mem trophy’ donated by W News. 20lb; Notorious 17lb 9.93 from Hook line & Tinker & Run once More. 25lb; Scooter 9.10 from litter brother Dramatize 1L away with Two Bob back in 3rd. 30lb; Barny B Jones 28lb 9.37 from Spiders Man, Blue Darling & Try once More. The final saw Lin & Mal’s very strong youngster SCOOTER (Streisand x Drama Queen) run impressively to take the final, £40, Jacket & Trophy from Notorious in r-up £20, Barny B Jones w/d £15. Some of the past winners include, E Mail, Colorado, Must be Magic, Showman, Connor’s Ranger, Orontes & Faithless.
Yearling Derby Supreme Racing for the Ch Ch’s Boys Talk/Its Rosie trophy donated by Paul & myself. A great race with Tony & Vera’s game little One’s Genevieve off the front some 7yds ahead of Mal & Linda’s SCOOTER who powered home to take top honours winning by a length from his brave litter sister in r-up. Past winners; K-Sera, She’s the Top’s, Colorado, Our Amy, Cacharel, Meg’s Wish, Spot Black & Faithless.
Bitch Veteran Derby 20lb; Crystal Blue 16lb 9.52 from Shameless a length away in r-up with Silver Spark in 3rd. 25lb; Spirit of the Stag n/t from Amy’s Girl & Totty Maud. Winner Wendy & Steve’s CRYSTAL BLUE (More or Less x unraced bitch) as I keep on saying June (who passed away in Devon) would have been very proud, fresh from her Vet Ch of Ch’s win at Notts/Derby ran a blinder in the final taking the ‘Ch Ch’s Toybelle Trophy’ donated by Colin & Alison Armstrong £40 & velvet jacket, r-up a game Spirit of the Stag £20.
Past winners; You Dare, Troubelle, Monkey, Cascara, Moorfield Miss, Dawn’s Mystery, One to Watch, Blue Goblin, Biddy, Demolition Blue & Whinnie Skippet.
Dog Veteran Derby 20lb; Morpheous 9.59 from More or Less & Ballyboy w/d. 25lb; Blue Reflections 23lb fresh from his adult win 9.12, r-up Guess What & Boomerang. 30lb; Showman 9.07 from Mad Max.35lb; Maid u Luck 31lb 8.90 from Jack the Lad. Veteran Derby Final winner; Joyce’s multi talented SHOWMAN (Wor John x Show Three) in fine style from a very classy field taking the ‘Rch Moonshell Trophy’ donated by George & Kev Southall, velvet jacket & £40 from last years winner, Bert & Jane’s Morpheous £20, both Maid u Luck & Blue Reflections w/d £25 split between them, other classy winners of this trophy include; Razzamatazz, Master Blaster & North 2 South, Colorado & Morpheous.
Veteran Derby Supreme – Joyce & Showman w/d leaving Wendy & Steve’s CRYSTAL BLUE the supreme Veteran Derby winner 2010, taking the ‘Rch Elbon Mite Sup Trophy’ well done!!
Past winners include such greats; Colorado, Biddy, Monkey, Troubelle & Whinnie Skippet.
Main Derby Bitch Classes;
17lb BESIDE THE POINT 9.00
19lb WEARDALE BADGER 9.13
21lb AD LIB 9.01 ht Candymill 9.12
23lb PICOLO AMICO 9.16
25lb DARLO DELIGHT 9.07
27lb TINKERSMILL 8.81
29lb SING FOR US
31lb ANAGRAM 8.72
33lb SOUL 2 SOUL 8.86
Main Derby Dog Classes;
17lb CRACKELLE 9.59
21lb LITTLE BILL 9.35
23lb SCOOTER 8.92
25lb BLUE REFLECTIONS 8.87
27lb NO JOE 8.76
29lb COBAIN 8.67
31lb MAID YOUR POINT 8.95
33lb BOBBY DAZZLER 8.74
35lb BILLY CASPER 8.96
Semis; (times back to scratch)
19lb Besides the Point n/t Vicky & Mark Warren from Manchester
23lb Piccolo Amico Delia Heath from Stoke.
27lb Tinkersmill Pat & John Stayte from Billericay.
31lb Cobain 8.91 John & Andy Fitzpatrick from Stockton
35lb Bobby Dazzler 8.77 Tony & Jacqui Taylor from Manchester.
Once again some exciting races were witnessed during the whole weekend non ore so than in the semi finals.
The very best in the country were on display once again this weekend, there were no easy races with every dog having to earn its hard-earned place in the classic grand final. Beside the Point winning her place by head and shoulders from Weardale Badger & Crackelle. Piccolo Amico claiming the black trap in a close run race with Ad Lib Scooter & Little Bill w/d. Tinkersmill a fine winner from No Joe & Darlo Delight, Blue Reflections w/d. Cobain endured a double re-run with Keith’s Anagram after a double fast trap opening, Sing for Us & Maid your Point w/d.
Bobby Dazzler earned his place with pride after defeating Soul 2 Soul & Billy Casper. The end of the day soon came and the final battle of the day…..the dogs were duly loaded, and owners nervously up the track & now over the finish line!!! The crowds roared as the traps burst open for the English Derby Classic final, owners shouting on their dogs with all their might, the crowds bending the fence to grasp a look at the brave competitors. Front runner Beside the Point had already proved unstoppable only a couple of weeks earlier & duly bombed out with tremendous early pace, making it very hard for those that followed...trying as hard as they could, they couldn’t catch her, Tinkersmill flew like the wind, but the line came just in time for BESIDE THE POINT…she wasn’t going to be denied another magnificent day of glory, and what a day, everyone cheering as she passed the line the brave winner adding her name onto the Classic trophy. In r-up, Pat & John’s fierce fast finishing Tinkersmill, 3rd Delia’s brave Piccolo Amico, 4th John’s diehard (Ironman) Cobain & 5th Tony & Jacqui’s gutsy h/w Bobby Dazzler. As I say every year, all worthy of a medal just for getting into the final; no easy route…..well-deserved!! Vicky & Mark’s talented youngster BESIDE THE POINT (Wor John x Paloma) adding her name to kennelmate Mo Chara!!! Past winners of the Classic English Derby inc; Three great wins for Scotland...Hillside Lad, Biddy & Demolition Blue, one north Yorks win for Peggy Sue, now two for the north west in 2008 with Mo Chara and today, the mids winning it no less than 6 times; Weardale Badger, Our Amy, Swift Holly, Triple Mystery, Short Spot, See Spot Run & last years winner Weardale Badger (treble for Chris). Whatever event you managed to be successful in or come very close, all in all it was a very proud weekend for all owners and breeders alike!!!!
2nd Chance Consolation Derby We saw adult heat wins for; Sun Up, Shoot the Moon, The Magster & Indica.
Winner of the grand 2nd Chance Derby final; Neil & Irene’s BLACK DIAMOND sadly her previous owner old Joe didn’t live to see the talent of this beautiful black bitch, he would have been very proud. She took her tittle at the recent Fed Champs and runner up Ch of Ch’s, today she showed us once again she is a strong force to be reckoned with, r-up Ray & Rae Bourne’s highly impressive youngster Barking Mad, 3rd Chris Horsnall’s Troy and 4th kennelmate Monkey Trouble. A great run from all four dogs…...Other past winners of the 2nd Chance Derby….Drama Queen, Slippy Blue, Gold Run, Legs & Lips, Little Rascal, One of Eight, Nobiddy’s Fool, Daylami, Shamu, Shooting Star, Biddy & Spot Black, a fine accolade of top class racers.
2nd Chance Puppy Derby Well done to Alison & Colin’s MIDNIGHT BELLE ( ) 23lb.
2nd Chance Yearling Derby Erica & Geoff’s DRAMATIZE (Streisand x Drama Queen) from Twinklebelle in r-up for Colin & Alison, 3rd Spiders Man, 4th Deneside Alice.
2nd Chance Veteran Derby Tam, Toni & Shelly’s SHAMELESS ( ) taking the trophy from Kath & Dennis’s More or Less and John & Fiona’s Mad Max.
40lb 2nd Chance Derby A fine win for John & Fiona’s WINTERMOON ( ) 8.62 from Jack Junior.
2nd Chance Yearling N L Derby; A win for BOSCOWAN BOY (Hellbound x Ghd).
2nd Chance No Limit Derby, a fine win for CORNISH LEGEND (Hellbound x Ghd) from a classy field, Bigland Bailey, Our Ebby & Pasha.
Our new award, the Sup Scr Rch Ch Show Three Outstanding Award (for a whippet who has ’stood out’) kindly donated by Peter & Michelle. There were several names put forward throughout the weekend….Beside the Point, Piccolo Amico, Scooter, Blue Reflections, One’s Genevieve to name a few, the decision (and not made by Paul or myself) was Mal & Linda’s SCOOTER….Past winners Cobain & Six.
Well done to you all and everyone who took part in this years Derby, it couldn’t happen without you supporting us, I hope you all enjoyed it and will come back for more in 2011! Thanks to those who supported the Football cards & raffles, these play a vital part for the Derby….The main Derby including 2nd Chance Derby took £784 in entry money and paid out a generous £1580 in prize money, trophies, bags of ALPHA dog food and spectacular velvet jackets to the main winners, added prize money was given also to the 2nd Chance, we supplied 2 lots of sand for the pit, a trailer to bring down fence posts and whippet traps….Jim Smith from Scotland kindly sponsored 2 Puppy Derby Jackets, the rest sponsored by (W News at a cost of £180).
This year the Football club did a raffle, which was nothing to do with us, however it did cause some unrest with some whippet racer…..in future at some point we will have to revert to 100% payout only, but not next year thanks to your generosity, and that’s what its all about!! We have enjoyed staging the Classic English Whippet Derby for the past 13yrs. I wonder what the future holds. I hope you continue to support us, and come and enjoy the same again in 2011, all being well!! Sweepstake winners; 1st Ray Cahill, 2nd Neil Gilbert, 3rd Gary Bailey, 4th Jacqui Glover & 5th Ryan Malbon. The presentation was held after racing, this went down very well and was very well attended, the glittering trophies & luxurious purple & gold lined velvet jackets were awarded to the well deserved winners. Paul as usual did a grand job throughout!
Every racer young or old, whether they were lucky enough to have won or not, all seemed to have a brilliant weekend!! A huge thank you to everyone concerned who supported this years Derby, and commiserations to those who wanted to come but couldn’t due to varying personal circumstances. Without you all, whether you raced or not, you all made it what it was…..a fantastic family celebration of whippet racing and fun! As usual crowds lined the tracks both days, and the racing witnessed by all was some of the tightest we have seen. With the racing completed successfully, I’d like to say a massive thank you to our brilliant lure kids, Liam Appleby from the N East & Lucy Woodhead from Blackburn, who ran their hearts out for us both days, (£45 each) thank you from myself and all the racers!!!! During the weekend we spoke to several committee members on the Cullompton Community Association, who are promising to look into the situation of camping on the field for 2011, a meeting is to be held in a few weeks time and this matter is to be brought up for discussion.
I will keep you all informed. Thanks once again to our very generous sponsors ALPHA everyone who won a race at the Derby and during the week following all received a bag of their top class dog food!
The Friday afternoon fun day went very well, sack races, bean bag, egg and spoon with Hoop la for everyone!!! Medals were awarded accordingly and proudly worn by the winners. The annual football match went off well, with no injuries this year thankfully!! This year won by the South with Lyndon as Team Manager, well done to all!!
Onto the ’fun nights’ Friday night before the Derby saw a Bingo session pre Disco, Ray did the calling, thanks to him and the Karaoke man who also helped The nights Disco went down very well, with plenty on the dance floor. Saturday night saw the England ‘footie’ match, which was eagerly anticipated, but many sad faces were seen after the very poor performance afterwards!!! Sunday evening, we went out for a quiet meal, which was superb. Monday evening was spent in the Football Club, with an organised Pool/Darts knockout a good entry for this, pairings drawn out, and the winners Porky and myself, with Ray & Liam as runners up, the winning money £30 was divided up between Liam & Daniel £15 each who were both outstanding players on the night!! Tuesday, some of the ‘boys’ went off to Newton Abbott a short drive away, for a nights horse racing, not all lost their shirts, Ray Cahill coming out best with nearly a winner in every race, most of the others came back with decent wins!
Back to my racing report…..Thanks also to those who looked after us in the Football Club. Finally, thanks to those who were kind enough to take photos over the weekend, it was very much appreciated. Jacqui Glover/Vicky Harper has photographs for sale, either of the winners in their jackets or action shots throughout the weekend.
Now I can safely say we and all of the workers are totally worn out….its all hard slog, through the months leading up to the Derby and during the long weekend and afterwards!! Thank you one and all, good luck to you all for the rest of the season.
NB.
I end this report on a very, very sad note; Geoff and Hazel have informed me that Mick Henderson sadly passed away on Sunday 20th June. His last wish was to attend the Devon Festival, where he had worked so hard for us on many occasions & where he enjoyed many years racing and socialising with everyone, this last wish was made possible by his lovely family. He was too poorly to attend any of the racing, but many racers spent some time with Mick reminiscing about old times! He was a good friend to Geoff & Hazel and to many, many whippet racers. A great person who was always willing to give a hand to help out and he never had a bad word said about anyone!
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his friendly cheeky smile.
Our condolences go to Di, Kim and all the family at this very sad time. RIP Mick. xxx.
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