Ex-greyhound Trainer Jim Reynolds speaks to Gone To The Dogs
Gone To The Dogs went to interview ex-greyhound trainer Jim Reynolds and learnt that the 2015 Coral Golden Sprint winner You Never Listen has recently passed
Jim Reynolds swaps training greyhounds for marathon training
You Never Listen, the 2015 Coral Golden Sprint winner, died last week at the home of her owner Lyn Clarke just weeks shy of her 13th birthday.
Trained by Jim Reynolds for Lyn and her late partner Paul Cobb, the Ian Greaves-bred September 2012 daughter of Makeshift and Swift Erin started her career in A4 at Romford and raced up the ranks before landing Category One success at the London Road venue.
Described by Reynolds as “the fastest bitch I ever put a lead on”, the now retired handler admitted news of the passing hit and his wife Sue hard.
“And it was heartbreaking to lose ‘Hilda’ for Lyn, too,” said Reynolds. “She’d been at home with Paul and Lyn since her racing days were over. We obviously lost Paul a few years ago and that was a horrible call to take, and so was this.
“I learnt many years ago that dogs give you the best years of your life but the worst day. And we certainly had one of those days last week. I’ll admit to shedding a tear - Sue also - but we have some great memories of her on the track and in retirement.
“We got her unraced and then to see her progress so well was obviously so satisfying. She was a real superstar for us.”
Reynolds’ Orchard Kennels in Essex are now empty as he begins the process of leaving the premises and heading into retirement - a special Gone To The Dogs interview with the former Romford, Crayford, Walthamstow and Ramsgate trainer is set to be broadcast shortly.
“It’s been another mixed bag of a week. Obviously, there’s a real element of sadness of things here coming to an end, but I’m look forward to retirement and just easing off.
“That said, I’m very much into my training again. I’ve done a few marathons and it’s been nice to head to the gym twice a day. I find that a great way of resetting and helps with some of the health issues I’ve had in recent years.
“But I plan to still keep in touch with things. And seeing Cree Bono winning at Romford on Friday for Maxine (Locke) was great.
“He was our last runner when he lined up in the (Coral) Coronation Cup at Romford in July which, for me, was full circle given when I first took out my licence in the late 1970s Romford was where I had my first runner.
“It’s great to see he’s now settled in so well with their team.”
