Victory number two - the lowdown

People - you know the score by now.

Last night I powered, or literally flew, to the second victory of my career. And the party is only just winding down. What a night - full of high jinks, booze and ladies (all above board though - no stroke-aine or anything like that). I really am a British full-dog after that bender.

It truly was a magnificent evening - nice balmy conditions and I was in trap 1, which is fast becoming my favorite. I was psyching out the other dogs - I could tell they were terrier-fied of me. Starting at odds of 6-1, I bound out of the trap and took the lead by the fist bend. After that it was full speed ahead to the finish line. I won in a record time of 39.74, therefore breaking that elusive 40 second barrier. I even beat my nemesis and rival Blonde Pearl.....oooh soooo arrogant.... stuffed it up you there mate, didn't I - Blonde Pearl? More like Blonde GIRL!! See you on the track soon buddy...

AND THEN THE CELEBRATIONS STARTED! My owners were there (hmmm.....didn't see those morons so often when I was coming fifth. They were busy don't you know?! and the recent £300 in prize money has no bearing whatsoever on it! That'll pay for another manicure or whatever, I'm sure...) and they came up to the podium with me, patting me, congratulating me etc. Dave the handler told me to smile, be nice and not be rude to them - something about an owner being for life, not just for Christmas...anyhow, once that was over and we had the pictures, got the trophy etc, I retired to my favourite hang out Charlie Chan's. Had a great night with my ladies, which I can't say too much about, except that on my way out someone pinched my wallet. Apparently police are investigating but as yet, they have no leads.

So there you have it....thank you so much to my supporters for all their best wishes. The 'Triple F' club (Friends of Flying Frank) is swelling in number and I would ask you to keep emailing me at flyingfrank@frankpr.it.

As well as your good wishes, I am running a special topic for all Triple F's this week, called 'ASK FRANK'....you can email me any question you like ranging from who my favourite model is to who my favourite Supermodel is and I will post them all up here after the weekend.... the whole capoodle, I promise, with answers! Get them in now - flyingfrank@frankpr.it

That'll do for now - have a good weekend.

Peace. Love. Woof.

How I got on last night

'Nuff said.

Will post up the full story this afternoon, am feeling a bit worse for wear currently (hare of the dog and all that). Come back soon!

Just a few hours until Race 9!

Hello fans,

Just a quick note really to remind you to look out for me in the 8.11 at The Stow this evening - will be on first thing tomorrow morning to let you know how I get on (and keep those good luck messages coming to flyingfrank@frankpr.it)

I also wanted to share with you the picture I recently received from my good friend, former England cricket captain Mike Cat-ting. He obviously saw the message from Brian Lara a few weeks back and wanted to get in touch......his message reads " To Flying Frank, Well done on your maiden victory".....hmmm, the truth is we used to get along very well, but Mike had a bit of trouble with boundaries and always used to prefer ducks. That one always had me stumped. Anyway, we go way back so it was good to hear from him...

That's all for now - I am on in a few hours and need to get my head down and start practicing the Bobby Davro Visualisation Technique. Apparently it comes with a safety guarantee - you will never end up in stitches.

wish me luck!

Peace. Love. Woof.

FF

The life of a winner

Hello Fans,

I am loving life, people.

I am Da Dogs Danglies.

Forget these loser mutts who go through life winning the odd race. I have just won my first race and believe me, the sky is now the limit. Whilst the endorsement deals are being dealt with by the peasants at Frank PR (who, surprise of all surprises, came and visited me after my win - hadn't seen you for a few weeks!), I am free to go out and meet my adoring public - I mean, lets face it: Without the race fans who literally worship the track I run on, there would be no greyhound industry and therefore no Flying Frank. A real tragedy.

No sooner had I won my last race, and I was inundated with the usual requests. One such opportunity that I took up was to party hard with my good pal, Lady Isabella Hervey (who you can see above). The 'new face' of Playboy UK visited me with her doggie friend Chloe (who you can see was just a teeny tiny bit jealous of the rapport that me and Izzy share!). We had a great day together - we got our hare done together and then went for a drink at the Kensington Woof Gardens. I was glad we spent a day chatting - it feels like the entire pupulation of Great Britain is after me and it was good to speak to someone who understands the pressures of celebrity fame (and to spend some time with Isabella too).

However, I am now back in training and preparing for my next race. Talking of which, this occurs this Thursday night, at the Stow, at 8.11 pm. It is called the Gala Russell Square Casino Puppy Stayers race, although personally I do my gambling on www.888.com. The race comes with a prize of £200 and a trophy for the winner. Although I am in trap 1, it is an open race (meaning any Tom, Dick or Rover can compete) and over a longer distance, so I am being optimistically cautious.

I have had a great week and your calls and emails have really been a joy. Please don't be offended if I don't pick up your call - I am very cautious and always check my collar-ID first. I promised I would put a selection on, so here they are, including a message from my good friend Tim Campbell, the winner of TV's Apprentice.

These all came through via emailing me at flyingfrank@frankpr.it . Please do the same, I appreciate every bit of encouragement I get.

So that's it, read and enjoy and I will see you Thursday! Don't forget to email me - flyingfrank@frankpr.it

P.S - Must say 'hello' to my good friend Lynne who is a waitress at The Crown & Goose. I told you I would mention you!

That'll do for now,

Peace. Love. Woof.


-----Original Message-----
From: Timothy Campbell
To: Flying Frank
Subject: Good one mate!

Double F

Well what can I say? Brilliant news about your first win. It was just a
matter of time. After I saw you come second last Saturday I knew you could
do it! Shame I wasn't there to witness it first hand but I'm sure there
will be others.

Now from one winner to another everyone will be on you to tear open
envelopes and attend celebrity dos (hold out for your VIP pass to Crufts!!)
but my advice is to stick with the guys at Frank PR as they will sort you
out and look after you as they have me.

We'll have to do lunch mate. The bones are on me!
Take care. Enjoy.

tc

FF says: Known to me as TC (but not to you, got that?!), it was really cool to get this email. Top Cat is a diamond geezer and I can't wait till we meet up for a bevvy soon.

The other two emails are also very sweet (Pipa and Goldie, you are joining my ever increasing Bevvy of bitches.)

-----Original Message-----
From: Pipa Unsworth
To: Flying Frank
Subject: Woofing Brilliant!!

Can't believe you did it! have been waiting so long for this moment! When I heard it was like a dream come true! I partied till the early hours of the morning in celebration!
Keep up the good work.looking forward to your next race.

Flying Frank - a legend in the making!
Keep it real.
P.L.W.
Pxx

FF says: Cheers Pippa, can't wait to see you soon. But please stop with the heavy breathing phone calls at 4am - little bit unsettling.

-----Original Message-----
From: Goldie The Dog
To: Flying Frank
Subject: You're my hero FF! I love you!

Dear Flying Frank,
You are the bestest dog ever, even better than Lassie and Snoopy! You are my
hero! I love you.

I read your blog everyday, over and over again, and love to hear your funny
stories. Oh, they make me....

**** flyingfrank.com web editor note - the following 1578 words have been dogleted from site due to explicit content****

Please write back and let me know. I would love to meet you in person.
Peace. Love (you). Woof.
Goldie

FF says: Blimey, that's a bit close to the bone! Will still probably take you out though - any things another notch on the kennel door isn't it?

----------------------------------

Flying Frank = WINNER

What a Night.

What a glorious, celebratory, key-swapping humdinger of an evening.

I don't think I have been this happy since Kelloggs reconsidered their decision and changed Choco Puffs back to their rightful name, Coco Pops. What a campaign that was...

Anyhow, back to the matter in hand. Yesterday, I ran in my eighth race, the 9.01 at The Stow. I was already feeling good as I stepped onto the track and when they told me that it would be delayed by about 90 seconds, I felt even better. I much prefer the cooler, more comfortable conditions at 9.03 to the hot, stifling, closeness at 9.01, so I knew this could be the one.

I got out of the traps well but got bumped on the first bend. No biggie friends, you can calm down. I then harried for the next 50 metres but just couldn't make any headway. Going into the final bend I was a distant third and then I turned it on big-time. In true Roy-of-the-Rovers style I stretched and strained every sinew and clawed it back - on the line infact, as you can see from the picture above (I am in the red). It took a couple of minutes to get confirmation through, but once I heard, I went ballistic. Some of my owners were there, I went for a drink with them and carried on partying after (more of that on Monday!).

I am a little tired now and so am going to go and get 40 winks (yeah right, who am I kidding? I've got a kennel-load to attend to first!) and will offer some proper analysis on Monday.

In the meantime, please send me your emails of congratulation to flyingfrank@frankpr.it . I am going to collate all my messages and post them up here properly. I have already received one such message this morning, from my good friends at The Sun newspaper online. I thought you might like to see it:

-----Original Message-----
Sent: 22 July 2005 08:13
To: Flying Frank
Subject: RE: Next Race - This Thursday!

Congratulations from all of us at SunSport Online on your maiden win
Frank.
But a word of caution - don't let fame and fortune turn your head.
Please don't change from the humble, down to earth "dog of the people"
we have all grown to love...

-----------------------------

Cheers - I would reply direct but I am too busy sipping champagne, romancing the ladies and getting a pedicure. I am just rushing out to a meeting with a leading Hollywood agent so I will have to reply properly later.

But of course, no, I won't let it go to my head.

that's all for now - more news soon, but please, please, please email me at flyingfrank@frankpr.it

P.S - Big shout to my buddies at www.thehareisonthemove.co.uk. Shame on you for only tipping a place!

P.P.S - Slightly louder shout out to Chas. Don't be shy - come and see me!

P.P.P.S - Loudest shout goes to my Majorcan Posse. They were surely dancing on the streets of Palma De Majorca last night!


Peace. Love. Woof.

FF

Next Race - this Thursday!

Hello work colleagues, friends, countrymen and ex-conquests:

Quick note to let you know that my next race is this Thursday at Walthamstow, in the esteemed 'Email: studio@channel425' Stakes at 9.01pm. The Big time indeed.

I am running in Trap 1 and with the very best back up team behind me this could be the time I secure my maiden victory. If I win, my owners will hit the woof!

As I start my preparations, I thought you might like to see a recent email I have received from a good mate of mine, Saira from the TV series 'The Apprentice':

-----Original Message-----
From: SAIRA KHAN
Sent: 18 July 2005 21:44
To: Flying Frank
Subject: The Dogfather

Dear Frank,
I have been onto your website and I must say you really are a dude - If I'd known you were so cute I would have sent you something more than a quick note!

Anyway, would love to see you race - I think I need to give you some good tips about how to get ahead of the game - I am very good at motivating people and I think before any race a quick word in your ear from me will certainly send the wind up your clappers and you'll be running like Carl Lewis!

Let me know when you are next in the traps and I'll pop over to see you.
All my love
SAIRA X

-----------------------

It's really nice to hear from an old buddy like Saz and I am pleased to say that I have emulated her feat by coming runner-up in my last two races.

I am also interested in finding out more about how she is 'going to put the wind up my clappers'. I think my lady friend's chilli beef stew is doing the trick already, thank you very much.

Sazza - if you're reading this (and I know you are) - come down on Thursday and whisper sweet nothings to me before I climb into the trap. I'm sure that will make me bolt like the wind.

See you all Thursday - and feel free to email me here or on flyingfrank@frankpr.it

Peace. Love. Woof.

FF

Race 7 - I'm getting there!

Well, I think I can now say that I am making some improvements. I had my latest race on Saturday night and I came in second. Let's forget for a moment that there were only three runners. Not only did I improve on my time of last week (I did the 640 in 39.71, as opposed to 40.09 last week) but I beat Armies Vixen, who is becoming a bit of a pain in the neck for me. We seem to keep bumping into each other (literally! don't think I forgot what happened on the final bend that time!), so I was happy to shove it up him. I was also proud of the fact that I secured my owners the princely sum of £40 in prize money, which will hopefully keep the wolves from the door...

So onwards and upwards it seems. I was delighted to see that my mates at www.thehareisonthemove.co.uk are supporting me and have put me on their homepage. I was at home on Saturday night after the race, chilling out listening to some music when I found out. I was drifting away to the sounds of U2 - I just love the voice of Bone-o - and my favourite album 'The Joshua Flea' when I had a yearning to go online. And low and behold, there I was, pride of place on the home page! All in all a great end to a very positive week.

So I am going out to train now - what a scorcher eh? Some of the ladies in this kennel are wearing very little I can tell you! - and will let you know when my next race is. In the meantime, keep logging onto my page and let me know what you think.

PS - special shout out to my Majorcan posse - you know who you are!

Peace. Love. Woof.

And then Sunday got even better...

This is a picture of the lovely Lauren Pope who joined me after the race on Saturday. Bit of a cracker, eh? Whilst I have told you before that I am a gentleman, and that a gentleman never tells, I can say that we had a wonderful evening after she saw my appearance on Sky channel 425 in the 8.39.

They say that these type of people come crawling out the woodwork once you have been on the telly, but that's a load of rubbish. Lauren is a good pal and wherever she is around the world - be it New York, Paris or Stockton-on-Tees - she is always there with a shoulder to bark on. She is always telling me to quiet down - or to 'hush puppy', as she likes to say.

Our story is quite a nice one to share. There I was one day at a flea market (I always go there to get rid of my old wares) near my holiday home on the Isle of Dogs when I saw the prettiest face staring back at me. We both wanted the same bottle of Dog Perignon and from there a relationship was born. We got talking, went for a drink, listened to some Bark (is that how you spell it?) and now we regularly meet up to go to China Whites and the like, or simply stay in and tune into Watchdog. Sometimes we get together with a few of her friends and have a large one. No jokes about doing it doggy style please (she's not that type of girl).

So there you have it - I saw Lauren the other day and she asked me to put this message up. My next race is this Saturday night in the 20.53 - be there or be a cat!

Later,

Peace. Love. Woof.

Flying Frank is back...

Had a bit of a lie in on Saturday, tucked into my bowl of Frosties (me and Tony are old mates), settled down in front of Ministry of Mayhem, nothing unusual there.

Suddenly Jono comes bounding into the kennels clad only in his extra large M & S Y-fronts. He does that sometimes when he's a bit frazzled (or when he's had a big night on the Guinness). One of the other dogs barked to me that he could see a Colemanball which I thought was quite amusing.

Anyway, he came over to me and said I was running tonight. I wasn't at all prepared and I think that was probably in Jono's mind, he knows now that if I spend too much time thinking about my next race it gets me over nervous and affects my form.

He's like that is Jono: not only a great trainer, but his psychological approach to greyhound racing in my opinion is second-to-none. He continues to set new standards in his study of the mental side of the sport which is more important than most people think. He's the Arsene Wenger of the dog world in my opinion. Just the other day, after I'd trailed in fifth and felt quite down, he took the time to sit with me and remind me of his faith in me and how he believed I could be the best greyhound in the world if I wanted it enough.

And before I knew it I was there in the traps in the 8.39 at Walthamstow, running over my new preferred longer distance of 640 metres - with my mind right. But I was up against some stiff competition in the Zenon Security Trophy and dogs that had run nearly a second faster than me over that trip. Running for the first time out of Trap 1, I got off to my best ever start, hitting the first bend in third place. This time there were no bumps or baulks and I was - like it says on the tin - flying. With 200 metres to go I eased into second place and approaching the finishing line I was gaining, but alas not quite in time. I finished in 40.09 seconds (0.08 seconds behind the winner), comfortably the best performance of my puppyhood.

Whilst the Flying Frank of old would have celebrated with a glass or three of Monkey Shoulder, a great new whisky I've discovered (check it out at www.monkeyshoulder.com), the new Flying Frank went home, had his bowl of water, played a bit of barkgammon with his dog pals and was tucked up in bed before midnight. Dreaming of glory.

Peace. Love. Woof.

Race 5...and still alive (just)

My name is Flying Frank and I am a rubbish dog.

There. I've said it.

No better last night, I'm afraid. As usual, myself, Jono and the boys at Frank were full of optimism ahead of the big race but, once again, I failed to deliver. My record so far is:

2nd
4th
5th
4th
5th

Doesn't look too clever does it?

Whilst I know I am currently about as quick as Jade Goody, I know the tide will change and I just need everyone to get off my back. Take the boys at Frank - I had a quick chat with them the other day on the old cat and bone (we have to do these things, all tied up in the sponsors contract, see) and though they were positive, I could tell that they want me to start winning soon. I think it was the bit about them coming to chop my balls off if I don't that gave it away. They also told me to stop being a cry puppy.

I don't really want to dwell on last nights result but I thought I would let you know anyway. I have a big week coming up, so I need to focus. As well as training, I have to go to court tomorrow - I recently got a barking ticket.

Many thanks for reading this, please send me a good luck message and I will notify you of my next race.

Peace. Love. Woof.

Race 5!

Don't have time to write much, but....my next race is Tuesday 5th July, 8.36 at Walthamstow. Place your bets on the Flyer!

Back home

well, as you can tell from the title, I am back in Jono's yard following my recent break.

As I said before, I just had to get away, and even though my good friend Jeffrey from Rainbow was in town for one night only, I knew that Darlo was the place for me and that I would have to sack Jeffers off. He is quite content up above the streets and houses, flying high, anyway.

Darlo is the only place I can really call home, you know, where I can relax and where no-one judges me. Oh yeah, and they have women with extremely loose morals, but that has got nothing to do with it (and my deal with a national paper forbids me from telling you anyway).

So I am back, focused and raring to go. I know that my performances so far have been paw, but I am hoping to raise the standards next time I am on the track. Last Saturday there was a dog there who really got on my nerves. CJ his name is. He was giving it large in the kennels, let me tell you. There he came, strolling in with his bling and his bitches, romped home to a win and then took a particular lady I have a fondness for home with him. He also gives it LOADS about his celebrity owner - dontcha just hate that shallow name-dropping? I would never tell anyone about my close friendships with the likes of Girls Aloud, Jimmy Somerville and Virginia Bottomley.

He also nicked my bowl of water. Big mistake pal. Let me tell you mate - no one crosses me and gets away with it - I will see you on the track.

As for my next race, Jono has given me the weekend off to re-charge my batteries. I know that I need to start winning soon. If I don't I will start chasing my own tail - it'll be the only way to make ends meet.

I will let you know when I am next on - this coming Tuesday or Thursday I would have thought - but in the meantime, please support me by posting a message or emailing me at flyingfrank@frankpr.it. Better still, why not come down and see me? The dudes at Frank PR (AKA - the Cash cows, according to Jono) come, but I don't see many others - yet. Let me know.

For now though...

Later.

Peace. Love. Woof.

Race 4 - First is first, second is nowhere. Fourth...And it's the butchers window

I'm going to keep this brief because I am currently in transit. I am on a National Express coach (do they call it Greyhound in America?), on my way to visiting an old flame in Darlington - Darlo to those in the know - and the WiFi on my laptop is playing up, so I will stick to the brass tacks:

I came fourth last night and my life and career is spiraling out of control, hence the reason I am taking some time to get away from it all in Darlo. I don't why this is happening to me but for some reason I just can't pull it all together. All of a sudden I realise that when Jono tells me "You've got a career in medical science ahead of you", he doesn't mean as a chemist.

When you are a top level sportsman, you live and die by your results and mine aint looking too pretty. I have tried cutting back on my celebrity lifestyle - I did just the one DJ set last week - and as for the ladies...well, I am practically a Monk! See the picture below if you don't believe me - I restricted myself to just three last night.

What I need - desperately - is a win and I have come to Darlo to see if the town can give me some inspiration. I am heading down to Escapades nitespot tomorrow and I hope this is just the tonic.

Wish me luck - will let you know on my adventures.

Peace. Love. Woof.

FF

This is about the only thing good thing that happened to me last night - a visit from my bitches. As you can read above though, the whole experience left me knackered, feeling under pressure.....and itchy. 

I was going to tell you news of my next race, but I thought I would get my good friend, cricket legend Brian Lara to tell you about it instead...as you can see from the picture, it is tonight and despite Brian's mistake (that's Brian for you!) it is at 8.23 tonight (Thursday), not 8.29........He's a good mate and all but calling me just 'Frank'? Bit familiar isnt he? We had a good night out together, on the lash with some ladies and some rum, but still....see you tonight!
 

Saturday night - Armageddon

Another race, another failure for me. I came fifth on Saturday night which means my professional racing record so far reads: 2nd, 4th, 5th. This isn't good and I am terrier-fied.

I don't quite know what the problem is - it could be that I am burning the midnight oil a bit too much (I did do a personal appearance at Jumpin Jaks in Carlisle this week) but I don't think so. It could also be that I am paying a bit too much attention to the ladies - some bitch broke my heart a few days ago - but I don't think it's that either. Maybe it's the company that I am keeping (Snoop Dog is an old pal) - I just don't know. What I do know is that if I don't pull my socks up and start performing I will be appearing at a barbecue near you soon. Marinated.

Jono said it's time to put the past behind me and look forward. He has booked me into a race this Thursday (23rd June) and its over a longer distance, which he said might suit me better. He is being quite kind to me, although he does keep telling me to get it together to 'squeeze more from the eejits' at Frank PR who own me. I am not sure what an eejit is, or why they need squeezing, but Jono has a really nice sports car and I think they assist him with that in some way.

So there you have it - I am a bit down this week. I haven't really been performing and it's time I delivered. See you on Thursday - wish me luck!

Peace. Love. Woof.

FF

Next race!

Stop the press people!

I am now racing tomorrow night - Saturday 18th June in the 8.39 at Walthamstow. This has come as a bit of a surpise as I was planning on having it large this weekend. I had a bit of tai chi planned with Tony Slattery and Bouncer from Neighbours as it happens.

Now I need to focus on the race, get my head down and hopefully I can come out of the traps a stormer. Will let you know how I get on - wish me luck!!!

Here is after the race on Saturday when the winners and their owners got their trophy. You're probably thinking what I'm thinking - but no, the dog didn't get eaten by his owners after.
Jono told me to keep this image fresh in my mind, remember how much it hurts and turn it into a positive. One day I too will be dressed up like a PG tips monkey and paraded for general amusement. Bring it on! Will let you know when my next race is - should be soon! 

Thought you might like to see some pictures from last Saturday's race. This is me before the action. As I said - and as you can probably tell - I was feeling a bit ruff. 

Race 2 - Saturday 11th June

So as most of you know, I ran in my second professional race on Saturday night, the 8.39 at Walthamstow - and what a complete, unmitigated disaster it was.

I had it all planned. I would stroll up to Walthamstow, flirt with a couple of ladies, down a quick bevvy in the bar followed by Scampi and chips and then make my way down to the track. From there, I would power to my first win, pose for a picture with my owners and then paint the town red with my good mates Robbie from Eastenders (I know him through my close pal Wellard) and Barry Chuckle. We were on the VIP list at Faces nightclub in Ilford and it promised to be a stormer.

What actually happened was a bit different. When I got on the track, all I could hear was "Flying Frank! I'm gonna bet on Flying Frank!" from the punters and that made me a little nervous. All of a sudden the Bobby Davro visualisation technique went out of the window and I felt very uneasy. With a starting price of 10-3, I was slow out of the traps and from there I never really recovered. My owners think I got bumped on the first corner, and whilst Jono has told me to keep to that official line, the truth is I never really got over a dodgy Rogan Josh I had the night before. I was out with an "ex Hollyoaks actress" (That's all I'm saying - a gentleman never kisses and tells!) and I think I overdid it. I eventually came in fourth and my owners from Frank PR - who love me as a dog and not just as a novelty, oh no - were out of there quick smart. No photos, no "Frank, you're the Dog's Bo****ks", none of that.

When I got home, Jono hit the woof. He told me that I need to get my head down and cut out the celebrity excesses. Some of my mates were a little nicer. My current squeeze tried to cheer me up by telling me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day". True - but then I am Irish and has an Irish builder ever been later delivering a job? I don't think so.

Hey ho - I will learn from this and do better next time. I will keep you updated on my next race - in the meantime, please continue to post me messages - it cheers me up, particularly as I can see a vet coming over here with a rubber glove on his hand. Also, thanks to those who have posted already - it's good to hear from you.

Speak soon.

Later.

Peace. Love. Woof.