I would like too say a big thank you to my owners for the commitment and loyalty they have shown after the rollercoaster year that was 2011. It was a mixed year. The lows were obviously losing the Trainers Title at Oxford which we had won for the previous two years, and of course, losing 3 very important members of our staff was a big blow. However, winning 2 SIS BAGS competitions and winning a Sky race at your home track was pleasing to say the least.

We sent out 194 winners at Oxford and 149 at Hall Green and we had 5 Open race winners too. We’re giving ourselves some targets this year; to send out 250 winners at Oxford, 170 at Hall Green and 20 in Open class. I think these are realistic enough, so it will be pretty interesting to see how we get on. Needless to say, it’s vital we get a flying start to 2012 in graded and Open racing. I certainly feel we have the dogs available to do just that.

Some of our Open race runners to watch out for this year include:

BIG LOCAL - Oct 09 by Skywalker Ace. I really think he will have a good year. For people not familiar with him, he has tremendous pace up to 400m. He reached the Semi-finals of the national sprint at Nottingham in December and has previously won at Lifford in 18.63 (350yrds).

BLAKEFIELD BANJO -  Nov 09 by Droopys Scolari.  28.57 and 28.59 are class runs at Shelbourne Park! Banjo is a fantastic addition to the kennel and providing staying injury free, will be a good Derby entry for us.

BUCKFAST KID - Oct 09 by Head Bound. Already a 28.73 winner Lifford - suggesting he can run! He lost a bit of condition coming over from Ireland but is coming to hand. His trapping isn’t his strong point but his pace into the first bend is very impressive and I have high hopes for him.

DRUMCROW BOND - Sep 09 by Droopys Scolari. He only had a handful of races and is improving. His Irish card suggests he will be a good sprinter for us and he will be suited to a track with long straights.

GORTNACREHY RUBY - Mar 10 by Droopys Vieri. Ruby is a very nice prospect for us. Already clocking 30.20 over 550yrds at Limerick to suggest he is going to be a class act. Another potential Derby entry for the kennel.

On the graded scene at Oxford, keep tabs on Hypnotic Beauty who looks a very good staying prospect. Lolly and Natoni looks to be promising pups and worth keeping an eye on.

On the graded strength at Hall Green, Southpaw Hannah and Southpaw Bobby are youngsters that could be anything. It’s also worth looking out for Henpecked and Merry Glee who expected to start the year well.

©Peterson Racing 2010 - Michael Peterson, Greyhound Trainer