Hendon was the first track to declare decimal dividends andMilton Keynes (known as Bletchley or the Groveway) switched from independent status to full NGRC status.[12]
Sherrys Prince successfully defended hisGrand National, breaking the track record twice, first recording 29.26 seconds in the heats and then 29.20 in the semi-finals. The only other greyhounds that had achieved double Grand National glory were Juvenile Classic (1940) and Blossom of Annagura (1950). Dolores Rocket won the Spring Cup over 700 yards at Wimbledon and set a track record at Crayford before victory in theWembley Spring Cup.[10][11][13][15]
Don't Gambol won a second successiveScurry Gold Cup atClapton and in the year ending annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup,Leeds provided a shock by reaching the final and beating Clapton to lift the trophy.[10][13]
A change in the betting laws allowed tracks to hold an extra 26 race meetings per year.[10]Crayford & Bexleyheath Stadium was the latest track to change to a contract trainer system, which led to Henry Parson's 33-year training career coming to an end after he joined the racing office.Slough andReading followed suit soon after. Another trainer Stan Gray also retired after 35 years atSouthend and Frank Melville leftRochester Stadium forHarringay Stadium, Melville was replaced by Jimmy Keane.[7][10][13]
The demise of the GRA Kings Heath Stadium kennels in addition to the demolition of the Hall Green kennels, meant that the two remaining Birmingham GRA kennel trainers, Eric O'Connor and Peter Harding, were relocated toPowderhall. The Edinburgh track also brought in contract trainers as well (some from Kings Heath). Hall Green Racing Manager Sid Wood moved toBelle Vue Stadium and Bob Rowe (son ofLeicester Racing Manager John Rowe) filled the position at Hall Green.[7][10][13]
The experiment by GRA to introduce eight dog races continued with trials at Harringay and races at Belle Vue andWhite City Stadium (Manchester). TheNorthern Flat took place as an eight dog competition, the first major event to do so. Trainers were also allowed to seed their greyhounds wide for the first time.[10]
In Ireland theBord na gCon introduced drug testing for the first time.[4] Sole Aim was a rare English winner of the1971 Irish Greyhound Derby which featured one of strongest entries for years.[16][17]
The Bord na gCon introduced drugs testing for the first time and experiment with the procedures atShelbourne Park.[18]
Blissful Pride trained by Leslie Mcnair wins his 18th race from 19 starts following victory in the Anglo-Irish International at White City. The Irish star also won theIrish Oaks.[19]
