The performances ofBallyregan Bob andScurlogue Champ during the two previous years, combined with a strong UK economy resulted in a significant increase in greyhound racing popularity. TheNational Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) released the annual returns, withtotalisator turnover up nearly 20% at £77,832,636 and attendances up over 5% recorded at 4,020,438 from 5255 meetings.[6] Track tote remained at 17.5% and a further boost to the industry came when the government abolished tote tax on 29 March.[7][8]
Satellite Information Services began to beam pictures into the betting shops from the 5 May, the company owned by the 'Big Four'Ladbrokes,Corals,William Hill and Mecca Bookmakers would pay the greyhound racing industry a fee for the televised rights.[12] Ladbrokes however abstained from negotiations because they owned some of the tracks involved. Corals also owned some tracks involved but had the foresight to realise that they should pay a fee to help maintain the health of the industry. Ladbrokes actions only further enhanced the belief that bookmakers had too much control of the industry which was already subject to an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.[13] The negotiations ended with the NGRC charging £300 per each S.I.S meeting in addition to an extra 10% of the track's BAGS fee which promptsLadbrokes to seek legal advice.[14]
Hall Green underwent refurbishment costing £400,000 andPowderhall's new grandstand was completed costing £750,000 but suffered a fire that then caused £25,000 damage. TheScottish Greyhound Derby rights, held by GRA meant that Edinburgh would hold the event for the first time leaving Glasgow with no classic race. Shawfield Greyhound Racing and Leisure Company Ltd re-opened theShawfield despite not having the Scottish Derby as their blue riband event.[15]
Harringay's closure resulted in theOaks going toWimbledon Stadium and thePall Mall Stakes going toOxford. TheScurry Gold Cup switched toCatford Stadium following the closure of Slough.[16]Crayford took possession of theGolden Jacket after spells at Hall Green andMonmore. Harringay had also held the event in the afternoon and it was very popular due to the television exposure of the event. Crayford also provided a new matinee meeting for their own Ladbrokes betting shops.[17] Role of Fame made amends for a disappointingTV Trophy performance at Oxford by winning theCesarewitch atBelle Vue.[11]
TheSavva camp had a double success towards the latter part of the year. First with Olivers Wish (from the same litter as Westmead Move) who won the £5,000Gold Collar. Then in theLaurels at Wimbledon, Flashy Sir beat a field that included Derby champion Signal Spark.[11][17]
Trainers Ray Peacock andLinda Mullins joined Catford andRomford respectively from Harringay, Pam Heasman joinedWembley. Trainer Joe Booth died in hospital andGeorge Curtis retired to be replaced by head man Bill Masters.[15][16][17]
The kennel of Gary Baggs containedPuppy Derby champion Spiral Darkie, in addition to Fifty Pence, Fiddlers Run, Signal Spark and Karens Champ. Signal Spark emerged as the star when winning the1987 English Greyhound Derby. Signal Spark was then transferred toErnie Gaskin following a well-documented dispute between Gary Baggs and owner Towfiq Al-Aali, resulting in the latter removing his dogs from theWalthamstow trainer.[18] Fred Wiseman also had a strong kennel including Scurry champion Rapid Mover, head manJohn McGee was credited for much of the success from the kennel.[15][16] Signal Spark was votedGreyhound of the Year.[17]
