GREYHOUNDS who don't run up to form in a race and subsequently are ordered to re-trial, face a ten-day ban.

That was the measure taken by the racing office this week to protect punters.

I presume they are targeting greyhounds, who win a race in say 27.40secs, then in their next race post 28.00 with a clear run.

As it stands any hound who is ordered to re-trial, resumes its racing if that trial is satisfactory, now, however, they face the ten-day ban.

I can't see the move being popular with both owners and trainers, as there are so many differing factors that can affect a greyhound's performance, let alone trouble in a race.

l PADDY Curtin's Romford jinx continues with Tirmaquin Eagle going lame in a trial.

It followed two excellent trials at the track, while Terry Atkins’s two new runners, from former trainer Kelly Mullins, will take their chances in Tueday's opens here.

Carlisle Lady has left the Maurice Massey range to join up with private trainer Matt Dartnall.

Michael Peterson has high hopes for two newcomers in Zabo Prince and Boo Weakley from the Cork sales, while Fianna Sable has left the kennels.

lTHE name Cerberus will ring a bell with plenty of punters at Oxford having been the non-de-plume of several Oxford Mail greyhound writers in the past.

When I left the newspaper in 1995 to go freelance, the sports editor decided that the name Cerberus should also go.

Now, however, Cerberus will hopefully be in the news again as Paul Clarke's black dog has joined the racing strength at Cowley and will run in the colours of yours truly.

If it comes to winning by a head, we should be quids in, after all ,I am told that Cerberus was the three-headed dog who guarded the greek underworld!

lMISS Clara Belle celebrated her fifth birthday on Thursday by running in her 100th race. She is still going strong under trainer Michael Peterson and enjoying her racing.