A SHOULDER injury robbed Old Heath greyhound trainer Dave Smith of the chance of glory at the Crayford Vase.

Barnacres Rob, a dog that Smith co-owns as well as trains, was running in the prestigious category-one race and, despite him giving away at least a year in age to each of the five other dogs, Smith was hopeful that he could get a good start from trap one and challenge for the lead.

However, the dream of a victory ended early in the race as the four-year-old dog pulled up sharply at the opening bend.

Smith said: "He has a trapped nerve and muscle injury so is facing three to four weeks out, but there is no lasting damage.

"It was a real shame, but dogs are like athletes and can get injuries in races.

"I was really nervous before the race as it is a big event, but it is just one of those things and hopefully there will be other days.

"I'm getting better calibre dogs now since last year and things are looking up for me.

"I'm no better now than I was ten years ago, but people are aware of me now."

Smith, who by his own admission is a small-scale trainer, had success last year with another dog he has trained, Wise Suzie, who was just pipped from winning the William Hill TV Trophy.

He added that Wise Suzie won a race on the same card at Crayford and will now be heading back to her owners in Ireland.