GILLY Hepden’s Old Chalford kennels are in great form as she added another six winners last week to make it a baker’s dozen over the last two weeks.

Paul Clarke’s Exceptional Art was fastest at Monday’s trial session with 27.28, but failed with Easter Dolly and Tones Rocket at Nottingham.

  • OXFORDSHIRE Gold Cup winner Jolly Poacher blitzed the Cowley track in 26.83secs.

Last year’s Oaks runner-up Freedom Emma (Richard Yeates), posted a 28.81 trial at Wimbledon and is ante-post favourite to go one better in this year’s on November 26.

  • THE greyhound fraternity are mourning the death of former Oxford greyhound stalwart Bryn Langford who died on Tuesday.

Bryn and wife Doreen were loyal members at Sandy Lane, their involvement spanning some 46 years.

He was a doorman in the restaurant, while Doreen and her staff made the best ‘fry-up’ in Oxford Bryn’s funeral takes place at Oxford Crematorium at 1pm on Thursday.

Another bit of sad news came when ex-trainer Arthur Hitch, died at the age of 77. Arthur trained Derby winner Tico.

  • A STAR in the Bob Hannan kennel is Gangster McHugh.

A winner of 50 per cent of his races, he has come from the A9 grade up to top grade A1 and a revelation for his connections.