9th March 2016

Hi ,

The sad news this week was that it looks most likely that the Wimbledon greyhound stadium at Plough Lane is set to close in July so that developers can build a football stadium and new houses.

There has been racing at Wimbledon since 1928 and of course the Greyhound Derby will have to be relocated. I find this disgraceful as at one time there were 33 tracks in the London area and now we will be down to zero.

As far as I'm concerned there are too many professional football teams in the capital and the Dons now play at Milton Keynes. The housing could have been built along with a new greyhound stadium but I'm afraid Merton Council think they know better.

The only hope was an appeal to mayor Boris Johnson but he is too busy trying to undermine David Cameron and become leader of the Tory party.

Greyhound racing is a wonderful sport and the dogs are the most beautiful graceful animals you will ever see so lets hope the sport flourishes despite this setback.

While I'm on the subject my girlfriend Barbara's trainer Norah McEllistram who trains in Surrey is looking for new members to her racing club. The dogs run mainly at Hove but some are open class and are entered up and down the country. The cost is £250 for a whole years membership which is great fun. Just google Norah Mac and you can get further details.

Only a week now to the start of The Cheltenham Festival and boy am I looking forward to it with great racing in prospect especially as the forecasters have promised Spring weather.

So for Howies Hottie I'm putting up The New One in Tuesdays Champion Hurdle as he will love drying ground and his trainer Nigel Twiston Davies thinks he is as good as he has ever been.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

SYNTHETIC SURFACES

River Thames trainer M.Johnston - Led to inside the furlong at Kempton and is now ready for a handicap after 3 runs.

Chelwood Gate trainer P.Charmings - Runs on strongly in his races and looks on a very favourable mark.

Karam Albaari trainer J.Jenkins - Very capable on his day.

JUMPERS

Restless Harry trainer H.Oliver - Has slipped down the weights and this tricky customer can win if in the right mood.

Boite trainer W.Greatrex - Ran very well after a long break and this classy type can win some decent prizes.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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