Southwind Harry is a pedigree chum - winning greyhound (From Hereford Times)

Southwind Harry is a pedigree chum - winning greyhound

8:00am Friday 4th September 2009 in

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TWO Ledbury friends are celebrating after a greyhound put their lives back on track.

New Street greengrocer Derek Gladwin lost three family dogs and four puppies in a kennel fire two years ago.

But he’s got a pedigree chum in Southwind Harry – who’s just won a £10,000 race at Belle Vue racetrack in Manchester.

Mr Gladwin and Terry Jones, a plumber, suffered various misfortunes before buying the £1,400 greyhound 14 months ago.

Derek, aged 51, was devastated after losing his cocker spaniels, while Terry was forced out of work after breaking a hand.

But their “hobby” paid off when Harry, trained by Kim Billingham, reached the Tote Sport Gold Class.

The 6-1 outsider won by three lengths to claim his 18th overall win, but few come bigger than the televised race.

“It’s the biggest competition we’ve ever won,” said Terry, who started greyhound racing following his injury in 2002.

The pair are still waiting for the winnings, but have vowed to buy presents for the family.

“I was a little bit down after the fire, but then Terry came along and offered me a share in Harry,” said Mr Gladwin.

“So I took it up and, last week, he won this huge race. We are both over the moon.”