Saturday meeting attendances continue to increase and last weekend was the best for some time.

It featured the Kathy Russek charity night in aid of the Ian Rennie Hospice.

Sponsored races have increased by 33 per cent on last year.

A magnificent total of £2,800 was raised for the hospice.

Trainer Tony Magnasco stole the honours with three winners in a row – Barrack Jo, Pennys Demo and Pennys Zac, while Steve Rayner landed a double.

THIS week history is in the making with the debut of Northern Ireland’s first Greyhound Derby, sponsored by Bettor.com.

It is set to join three prestigious Classics, including Wimbledon, and become one of greyhound racing’s most popular events.

BURWOOD Freddie, trai-ned by Johnny Mayo, continues to enjoy his racing at Hove.

He won again at the weekend, taking his open race toll to three on the trot and five in his last seven, earning over £1,000 in prize money.

AFTER taking in 186 races, Angie Kibble’s veteran Spot Kick has been retired at the age of seven.

WITH the Betfred Pall Mall looming, the Richard Yeates-trained Aherloe Shaw sparkled in a trial before racing on Saturday, posting 26.79. It would have been even better had he not stumbled at the start.

He looks a certainty to represent the locals in the big race.

Others in contention are Jolly Poacher, Pats Cash and possibly Pennys Beetle.