It has been a somewhat interesting week for the track as we held a greyhound auction last Wednesday with some 30 lots being sold to local owners and trainers.

If you’ve ever been to an auction of any kind you’ll know the buzz and excitement such an event attracts.

There is a great air of anticipation once the auction is over, to see how well these newcomers take to the track and perform for their owners. I shall be following some of them closely and sharing my views and opinions with you. Watch this space.

This year sees us celebrating the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of the track, Ladbrokes have provided an additional £25,000 of prize money, which the track intends to use in a unique series of sweepstakes throughout September.

The plan is to stage a sweepstake final worth £1,000 for every grade that we race with heats taking place in early September.

On one weekend in the middle of September we will have an ‘Odds’ night, when the finals of all the odd-numbered grades take place, such as A1, A3, A5 and S1, S3 etc. Then on the following weekend we shall stage the ‘Evens’ finals of A2, A4, A6 and S2, S4 and so on.

As an added incentive the track will double the win prize money should any greyhound bought from the sales go on to win any of the sweepstake finals.

I shall give you the heads up if there are any dogs to keep an eye on.

Last Saturday was the Greyhound Derby final with £75,000 prize money going to the 7/4 fav winner, Taylors Sky.

This March 2009 dog ran an impressive race with a winning time of 28.17, breaking the Wimbledon track record which he set in the semi-finals the week before.

Who knows, maybe a future Derby winner was sold here last week!