In the historic city of Peterborough, greyhound trainer Abbie Steels reflects on a cracking start to November for the Noir Racing Kennels. Already this month, the ‘boy mumma’ as she describes herself on ‘X’ has racked up an enviable 64% win-rate at Towcester. 7 winners in 11 races, with 6 different greyhounds. It’s no small feat for a kennel with 13 greyhounds and space for just 4 more.
Bored of lockdown
Abbie has been involved with racing since she was 16 years old. She first worked as a kennel hand for the late Max Alden at Peterborough before making the decision to become a trainer during lockdown. “Bored of being in lockdown with not much to do, I decided I wanted to give training a go,” she tells me.
“I was assistant trainer to Robert Hamilton for a year or so. Then I became a professional trainer.”
Early in our conversation, Abbie is quick to mention the support network that she has around her and the hard work of Chelsea her kennel hand in particular.
A great kennel hand
“I have a great support network around me and a great kennel hand. Chelsea Handley has put a lot of hard work into the dogs from the minute she stepped into the kennels.
“I’m proud of my strength of dogs, whether it be top or bottom grade. If I’m honest, I can’t really pick out a favourite. I have a really nice kennel of dogs at the moment. They’re well mannered and have lovely personalities. Every dog (retired or racer) gets treated and loved the same.”
All in all I love the game
Abbie explains that she loves the challenge of being a trainer. “All in all I love the game and I love the challenge. From nursing a dog back from injury or bringing a dog on. That’s what my small team and kennel are about.”
Meet the kennel
Abbie takes me through some of the characters in her strength in detail.
Savana Gracie
Savana Gracie came over in September last year and had 1 trial before becoming very unwell. After nursing her back she came on to win her first race at Suffolk Downs. She was running well after that but picked up a bad muscle injury on the 21st of August. I didn’t think she would come back from it. However, she did and won her first race back over the 270m. She went on to win her first 500m back which was great. It was a massive relief and a pat on the back for Chelsea and I.
Savana Elsie
Savana Elsie is an absolute pleasure to train. She is just one of those dogs you’d wish to have a kennel of. She’s clean. She’s quiet. And, she has the loveliest, goofiest personality (secretly a loved favourite).
Her style of running amazes me. You don’t see many dogs doing a 4.50+ sectional to then storm home in 29.90. She’s rarely out of the top 3.
In the coming weeks I would like to put her back over the further trip, whether it be at Towcester or somewhere else.
I take the opportunity to ask Abbie if she thinks Savana Elsie will make it 3 in-a-row when she runs next. Abbie is tentative. “I’d like to think she’d get her hat-trick but Elsie does things her way.”
Churchdrive Fang (retired)
I brought in 3 lovely dogs recently. Churchdrive Fang looked to be a promising dog and started to show his quality. Unfortunately he suffered a career ending injury but he will make the best pet.
Zoos Fortune
Recently won his first 500m race after a couple of successes over the 270m trip.
Easy Zone
Frank Gray and Kevin Boothby decided that Easy Zone needed a smaller kennel environment and asked me to take him on. He’s recently just won again over 500m after returning after a couple of niggles. We eased him back in over the 270m trip. He has had a couple of unlucky runs but has come on well.
By far the laziest of them all is Mutual Thinking (Cooper). He has taken being retired right in his stride. Upside down with his legs in the air is his favourite position, especially at bed-time let out.
What price the win double?
At my office desk, I put down my empty coffee cup and reflect on Abbie’s words. She is a bright young trainer with a growing reputation in the game. I look up today’s card at Towcester and notice that Savana Gracie is indeed being stepped up to the 500m trip. She goes out of Trap 1 in an A4 in the 3.29. Zoos Fortune is also on the card. He goes in the 2.33. What price the win double?
Many thanks to Abbie Steels for taking the time to talk with us at Greyhound Weekly and sending us through the photos.
