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I’LL WIN-A-LOT

19 June 2008

Miss Sunshine’s set for winning ways, all in the name of charity

Some might say we’re barking mad. But the Chronicle has taken on its very own racing hound.
Meet Miss Sunshine , a champion-in-training.

The two-year-old greyhound was officially signed up by the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund yesterday, with a view to winning cash for the charity.
With help from Newcastle Greyhound Stadium, we’ve tracked down the right dog and trainer and registered her Sunshine Fund name.

Now whenever she finishes first, all the prize-money will go straight towards helping sick and disabled children in Tyneside. And the odds are looking good. Miss Sunshine was hand-picked to be our dog by Geordie racing-veteran of 40 years Terry Menell. After three grading runs she’s qualified to run in the A2 category, the second tier of dog racing.

Newcastle Greyhound Stadium’s Hylton Marrs has also tipped our runner for the top.

“She’s a great dog and she certainly has the potential to be a winner,” he said. “When we put her through a trial run she did a good time. She’s at a good age to start and she’s already shown lots of promise. “We held an event here for the Fund and the idea came out of that. It’s our 80th anniversary this year, and the Sunshine Fund is also celebrating 80 years. “We race three nights a week, so there’s going to be plenty of chance to come down and give Miss Sunshine your support.”

Originally called Banville Miss, our dog was due to change its name to Sunshine Lass. But a quick call to the British Racing Greyhound Body revealed the name was already taken. More than happy with her new title, Miss Sunshine has settled into her new North East home and is already busy training for her first race, expected to be some time in July.

Tyneside trainer Stuart Ray was first in line to offer his expertise and has taken charge of getting our girl ready to race. And in line with the generosity inspired by Miss Sunshine , the 54-year-old has agreed to absorb the costs of feeding, keeping and racing the hound. Stuart said: “I think the whole thing is a great idea. It’s a great charity and we just thought it was really worth supporting it. “She’s a great dog and I’m confident she’ll win plenty of races. She’s only young and she’s got plenty of time, so there’s no reason why she can’t make it big. “Ultimately the aim is to have her win lots of money for the appeal.”

Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris said: “We think this is a wonderful idea. It’s so generous of everyone to help set us up with our very own dog. “Not only will Miss Sunshine do so much to help raise our profile, hopefully she’ll help us with our fundraising by winning a few races. “All the money we receive is crucial for helping sick and disabled children in Tyneside get on with their lives and we look forward to helping many more in the future.”

Don’t miss your Chronicle on Wednesday July 2, for details of how to book your place for a free Night at Newcastle Greyhounds to

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