2005 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year
# 2005 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year

The 2005 UK & Ireland Greyhound Racing Year was the 80th year of greyhound racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

## Summary

Westmead Hawk captured the public's imagination with his 'late charge' style of running and won the 2005 English Greyhound Derby. The Nick Savva trained greyhound was later voted as the Greyhound of the Year and Mark Wallis secured the Greyhound Trainer of the Year at the end of his maiden year as a trainer.

The 2005 Irish Greyhound Derby was considered to be one of the best in modern times with 'He Said So' winning the final that included Westmead Hawk, Droopys Marco and Irish Dog of the Year Droopys Maldini.

### Tracks

Gaming International/BS Group closed Milton Keynes Greyhound Stadium on Boxing Day despite earlier assurances that it would be rebuilt. The company had closed Bristol in 1997 in similar circumstances.

### Competitions

Charlie Lister stopped Brian Clemenson from winning a fourth consecutive Trainers Championship. Robbie De Niro and Ballymac Kewell made the Scottish Greyhound Derby final unbeaten before the latter was withdrawn leaving Robbie De Niro hot favourite but the final saw dual Irish Greyhound Derby finalist Droopys Marco trained by Frazer Black win the £25,000 first prize.

### News

Mick Wheble former Group Racing Manager for Northern Sports was awarded an MBE for services to greyhound racing and charity during the Queen's 2005 Birthday Honours.

Ernie Gaskin retired, with the kennels being taken over by his son Ernest Gaskin Jr. who retained the contract at Walthamstow Stadium, as did Mark Wallis who took over the Linda Jones Imperial Kennels. Linda was a two times champion trainer and had amassed 13 Category One successes before deciding to retire due to ill health.

## Roll of honour

Major Winners :

| Award | Name of Winner |
| - | - |
| 2005 English Greyhound Derby | Westmead Hawk |
| 2005 Irish Greyhound Derby | He Said So |
| Scottish Greyhound Derby | Droopys Marco |
| Greyhound Trainer of the Year | Mark Wallis |
| Greyhound of the Year | Westmead Hawk |
| Irish Dog and Bitch of the Year | Droopys Maldini / Grayslands Pixie |

Betfair Trainers Championship, Perry Barr (Apr 9) :

| Pos | Name of Trainer | Points |
| - | - | - |
| 1st | Charlie Lister | 55 |
| 2nd | Brian Clemenson | 50 |
| 3rd | Mark Wallis | 28 |
| 4th | John Mullins | 28 |
| 5th | Cheryl Miller | 27 |
| 6th | Paul Young | 20 |

### Principal UK finals

William Hill TV Trophy, Wimbledon (Mar 15, 872m, £6,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Ericas Equity | Paul Young | 55.75 | 5-4f | 1 |
| 2nd | Ballyneale Best | Ernie Gaskin Sr. | 55.81 | 8-1 | 4 |
| 3rd | Flashing Tone | John Mullins | 56.23 | 8-1 | 3 |
| 4th | Gors Nikita | Doris Bodell | 56.29 | 25-1 | 6 |
| 5th | Blues Fancy | Michael Cliffe | 56.41 | 10-1 | 5 |
| 6th | Foreign Dancer | Mark Wallis | 56.43 | 6-4 | 2 |

Totesport Scottish Derby, Shawfield (Apr 2, 480m, £25,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Droopys Marco | Frazer Black | 4-1 | 29.05 | 6 |
| 2nd | Robbie De Niro | Charlie Lister | 5-4f | 29.19 | 5 |
| 3rd | Ballymac Niloc | Carly Philpott | 5-2 | 29.37 | 1 |
| 4th | Bell Devotion | Charlie Lister | 3-1 | 29.39 | 2 |
| 5th | Barefoot Maestro | Paul Hennessy | 12-1 | 29.69 | 3 |
| N/R | Ballymac Kewell | Carly Philpott | | | |

William Hill Cesarewitch, Oxford (Jun 7, 645m, £5,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Zigzag Stewart | June McCombe | 3-1 | 39.61 | 1 |
| 2nd | Greenacre Lin | Brian Clemenson | 4-7f | 39.83 | 2 |
| 3rd | Top Bombin | Paul Young | 50-1 | 39.92 | 3 |
| 4th | Tiler Tom | Nick Colton | 8-1 | 40.03 | 6 |
| 5th | Milldean Clarky | Barry O’Sullivan | 8-1 | 40.10 | 4 |
| 6th | Tino Spark | John Mullins | 16-1 | 40.23 | 5 |

Totesport Gold Collar, Belle Vue (Jun 10, 465m, £10,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Bat On | Charlie Lister | 4-7f | 27.34 | 1 |
| 2nd | Paramount Bullet | Paul Lawrence | 14-1 | 27.52 | 4 |
| 3rd | Elbony Everest | Gerald Ballentine | 25-1 | 27.88 | 6 |
| 4th | Killeigh Grand | Charlie Lister | 9-4 | 27.90 | 5 |
| 5th | Blue Hatton | Bev Heaton | 14-1 | 27.99 | 3 |
| 6th | Lissycasey Flash | Michael Donlon | 25-1 | 28.46 | 2 |

Reading Masters, Reading (Jul 24, 465m, £20,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Killeigh Grand | Charlie Lister | 1-1f | 28.09 | 5 |
| 2nd | Flashing Away | Jo Burridge | 7-1 | 28.43 | 2 |
| 3rd | Black Bower | Mark Wallis | 4-1 | 28.47 | 6 |
| 4th | Agincourt Archer | Carly Philpott | 8-1 | 28.79 | 4 |
| 5th | Vatpack Brandon | Jackie Taylor | 8-1 | 28.82 | 1 |
| 6th | Joint Reaction | David Mullins | 10-1 | 29.02 | 3 |

Tony Campbell Scurry Cup, Perry Barr (Aug 2, 275m, £5,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Laser Beam | Harry Williams | 1-1f | 16.06 | 3 |
| 2nd | Hello Superstar | Julie Ridley | 7-1 | 16.30 | 6 |
| 3rd | Affleck Duke | Charlie Lister | 14-1 | 16.34 | 5 |
| 4th | Positive Option | David Pruhs | 7-4 | 16.52 | 1 |
| 5th | La Galga | Martin Burt | 14-1 | 16.54 | 2 |
| 6th | Sanstone Rebel | Barrie Draper | 20-1 | 16.58 | 4 |

VC Bet Grand Prix, Walthamstow (Oct 1, 640m, £10,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Clonbrin Show | Mick Puzey | 5-2f | 39.55 | 1 |
| 2nd | Solid Money | Derek Knight | 7-2 | 39.77 | 5 |
| 3rd | Dark Star Henry | Antony Ward | 4-1 | 39.89 | 3 |
| 4th | Archers Sparkler | John Mullins | 6-1 | 39.95 | 6 |
| 5th | Ronnies Flight | Mark Wallis | 3-1 | 40.17 | 4 |
| 6th | Killeacle Fred | Ernest Gaskin Jr. | 8-1 | 40.25 | 2 |

William Hill Grand National, Wimbledon (Oct 25, 460mH, £7,500) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Lethal Rumble | Mark Wallis | 9-4f | 28.49 | 6 |
| 2nd | Limited Blue | Bernie Doyle | 7-1 | 28.57 | 5 |
| 3rd | Baran Geronimo | Tom Foster | 4-1 | 28.59 | 2 |
| 4th | Heavens Supreme | Tom Foster | 6-1 | 28.69 | 3 |
| 5th | Cloheena Spiral | Seamus Cahill | 7-1 | 28.73 | 4 |
| 6th | Stradeen Ouzo | David Mullins | 3-1 | 28.77 | 1 |

William Hill Laurels, Belle Vue (Nov 8, 470m, £10,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Blonde Boss | Charlie Lister | 5-2 | 27.86 | 4 |
| 2nd | Ningbo Jack | Charlie Lister | 6-4f | 27.94 | 5 |
| 3rd | Paramount Bullet | Paul Liddle | 16-1 | 28.06 | 3 |
| 4th | Kingsmill Again | Ann Johnson | 10-1 | 28.18 | 6 |
| 5th | Zigzag Kit | Harry Williams | 7-2 | 28.22 | 1 |
| 6th | Fear No One | Mark Wallis | 8-1 | 28.24 | 2 |

William Hill St Leger, Wimbledon (Nov 15, 668m, £13,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Greenacre Lin | Brian Clemenson | 7-4jf | 41.16 | 4 |
| 2nd | Witton Maggie | Glenn Lynas | 6-1 | 41.46 | 6 |
| 3rd | Droopys Desailly | Taryn Abel | 7-4jf | 41.54 | 1 |
| 4th | Fabulous Sophie | David Firmager | 6-1 | 41.68 | 5 |
| 5th | Bombersgoinghome | Stuart Cogan | 16-1 | 41.71 | 3 |
| 6th | Rio Limo | Daniel Riordan | 6-1 | 41.73 | 2 |

William Hill Oaks, Wimbledon (Dec 13, 480m, £6,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | Trainer | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Droopys Stacey | Ian Reilly | 4-6f | 29.10 | 1 |
| 2nd | Roxholme Girl | Hayley Keightley | 8-1 | 29.13 | 4 |
| 3rd | Urban Classic | Garry Irving | 20-1 | 29.67 | 2 |
| 4th | Westmead Aoifa | Nick Savva | 3-1 | 29.86 | 6 |
| 5th | Pacey Macy | Paul Young | 16-1 | 30.26 | 5 |
| 6th | Barefoot Jenny | Paul Hennessey | 7-1 | 00.00 | 3 |

### Principal Irish finals

Donal Reilly Easter Cup Shelbourne (Apr 9, 525y, €50,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Mineola Farloe | 6-1 | 29.39 | 3 |
| 2nd | Tyrur Ted | 8-11f | 28.49 | 6 |
| 3rd | Blue Majestic | 6-1 | 28.53 | 2 |
| 4th | Count Corleone | 6-1 | 28.67 | 1 |
| 5th | Senahel Gift | 40-1 | 28.95 | 4 |
| 6th | Droopys Corelli | 11-4 | 28.97 | 5 |

Red Mills Produce Clonmel (May 1, 525y, €30,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Roisins Dessie | 5-2 | 28.82 | 3 |
| 2nd | Shebeen Ri | 6-1 | 28.89 | 1 |
| 3rd | Redbarn Panther | 5-1 | 28.96 | 5 |
| 4th | Heart Rumble | 3-1 | 28.97 | 4 |
| 5th | Broadacres Cash | 2-1f | 29.00 | 6 |
| 6th | Determined Minor | 40-1 | 29.14 | 2 |

Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger Limerick (Jul 9, 550y, €35,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Redbarn Panther | 4-1 | 29.72 | 3 |
| 2nd | He Said So | 6-4f | 29.86 | 5 |
| 3rd | Any Name Burglar | 10-1 | 29.96 | 2 |
| 4th | Priceless Mail | 5-1 | 30.14 | 6 |
| 5th | Deerfield Mover | 9-2 | 30.28 | 4 |
| 6th | Mall Road | 3-1 | 30.45 | 1 |

Sporting Press Oaks Shelbourne (Jul 16, 525y, €35,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Grayslands Pixie | 7-4f | 28.78 | 5 |
| 2nd | Noelles Magico | 4-1 | 28.88 | 2 |
| 3rd | Miss Wonderful | 4-1 | 29.09 | 6 |
| 4th | Ogillvie Teresa | 8-1 | 29.20 | 1 |
| 5th | Minds Eye | 20-1 | 29.27 | 3 |
| 6th | Angies Style | 3-1 | 29.41 | 4 |

Boylesports Champion Stakes Shelbourne (Jul 30, 550y, €40,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Droopys Maldini (Fraser Black) | 5-2 | 29.43 | 3 |
| 2nd | Droopys Marco (Fraser Black) | 11-2 | 29.92 | 4 |
| 3rd | Disguised (Reggie Roberts) | 10-1 | 29.97 | 1 |
| 4th | Yeah Man (Owen McKenna) | 5-1 | 30.32 | 6 |
| 5th | Tyrur Ted (Paul Hennessy) | 4-5f | 30.60 | 5 |
| N/R | Goldstar Premier (Owen McKenna) | | | 2 |

HX Bookmakers Puppy Derby Harolds Cross (Oct 14, 525y, €35,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Greenwell Storm | 6-1 | 28.46 | 3 |
| 2nd | Mossend Cait | 12-1 | 28.60 | 5 |
| 3rd | Mineola Zeus | 1-1f | 28.77 | 4 |
| 4th | Shelbourne Becky | 12-1 | 28.88 | 2 |
| 5th | Inny Breeze | 10-1 | 29.09 | 1 |
| 6th | Droopys Sella | 4-1 | 29.10 | 6 |

Cashmans Laurels Cork (Oct 29, 525y, €35,000) :

| Pos | Name of Greyhound | SP | Time | Trap |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Tyrur Ted | 4-6f | 28.63 | 6 |
| 2nd | Goblet Of Fire | 4-1 | 29.08 | 4 |
| 3rd | Knockna Kirka | 14-1 | 29.19 | 5 |
| 4th | Costly Flight | 20-1 | 29.20 | 2 |
| 5th | Vancouver Sparky | 5-1 | 29.21 | 1 |
| 6th | Final Show Down | 20-1 | 29.45 | 3 |
