Blastoff signs off in style at Monmore Green

Blastoff Josifa now has the most graded runs at the long-standing Wolverhampton circuit, with 203, and signed off in style this past Tuesday by grabbing a 49th career victory.

Marston and members of the Mo Cara Racing syndicate roared her home as she won a D2 sprint in 15.66secs – pinging the lids and showing great bravery to find the gap at a busy first bend.

She now heads home to enjoy life as a pet with syndicate member, Shelly Darby in time for Christmas.

“We couldn’t have asked for any more from her. She was 10/1, so the bookies didn’t think she had much of a chance, but that win just showed her tenacity and braveness,” said Marston.

“To get round that first bend and win the race the way she did, it was amazing to see.

“Shell (Walters, kennel hand) came along to put her in the boxes one last time and several of us made the trip to the track especially to see the race. It was lovely.

“She’s just been so consistent throughout her career and never had a real injury. The only time we’ve had her off the card was for a little rest for a few weeks.

“We’d been eyeing up the record when both her and Lacken Dot got to about 170 runs. Dot is slightly older, and we decided to retire her although she could’ve continued, so we had been quietly hoping Josie could get the record – and she did it in style.

“Josie only cost us £295, so it shows greyhound racing is still a working person’s sport, and you don’t always have to spend big money. With 49 wins, I don’t think many graded greyhounds at Monmore have achieved as many as that either.”

Josifa is just the fourth greyhound to reach 200 races at Monmore after Kranky Scott (201), Rushmoor Willow (202) and Ballydoyle Pedro (200).

Marston also trained Rushmoor Willow in the latter stages of his career but has had Blastoff Josifa from the very start and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

“She’s always full of beans and jumping about. She’ll make a cracking pet for Shelly as she loves a fuss and will be loving life on the sofa at Christmas,” added Marston.

“She’s probably won us about £15,000 in prize money throughout her career, so I think it’s safe to say she’s the best £295 we’ve ever spent.

“We’d love to have another like her. If I could, I’d have a kennel full of Josie’s. She’s been wonderful.”

Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson added on Josifa’s feat: “It’s a brilliant training performance from Craig and his team, and it just shows how good the bitch has been, with her wins-to-runs record.

“It’s just tremendous all round. She’s had great longevity and to sign off with a win like that, it’s an owner’s dream. Congratulations to all connections.”