Sidney John Orton (1890-1978) is a celebrated figure in the early days of greyhound racing, renowned for his exceptional training skills. He is best remembered as the mastermind behind the legendary Mick Miller and for setting the high standards within British greyhound racing. Orton had an innate understanding of greyhounds, appreciating their individual capabilities, and he cared deeply for his dogs—whether they were champions or novices, agile or awkward, clever or not so bright.
Orton entered the sport later in life and began his association with Wimbledon Stadium during its early years. He lived with his family at the complex Burhill Kennels, where his dogs' numerous victories in the 1930s earned him the nickname "the Wizard of Burhill."
For a dog owner, having Sidney Orton as a trainer was both an honour and a stroke of luck. It ensured that he would dedicate himself to maximising the potential of each dog, embracing every new arrival at Burhill as a potential future star, like Mick Miller.
Mick Miller, episodes
Mick Miller arrived at Sydney Orton's side following his victory in the Greyhound Derby. The dog's owner, Father Martin Brophy, sold Mick to English bookmaker Albert Williams for a significant sum of 800 guineas. Later, the dog was repurchased for 2,000 guineas as a gift for Williams' wife by Arundel Kempton, the deputy director of Wimbledon. In 1930, Mick Miller claimed his second Greyhound Derby title with Sydney Orton handling his training. The following day, the fame of both the dog and the trainer soared, endearing them to the British public for the remainder of their lives.
While there were numerous other successes that year, Sydney Orton vividly recalls one race that did not end in triumph. In August 1930, prior to a race at Laurels, owner Arundel Kempton exhibited a palpable excitement without any clear reason. Mick Miller started strong but tragically suffered an injury, tearing a shoulder muscle, and finished in last place, running on three legs. Luckily, the injury was not life-threatening. When Sydney Orton contacted Kempton to deliver the news, Kempton immediately exclaimed, "I know what you're going to say! Mick is injured!" Orton was taken aback, asking how he knew. Kempton's response astonished him; he claimed to have sensed something was going to happen to Mick that morning. Though Sydney Orton was typically a realist who dismissed superstitions, this incident prompted him to ponder the profound bond between owner and dog and the notion of premonition.
In 1931, Mick Miller was on track to win the English Greyhound Derby for a third time. However, at the end of the race, the judge activated the red light, indicating that the result was void due to one dog's disqualification for interfering with others. This decision left Mick Miller's owner in tears and sent the stadium into an uproar. Despite the race being replayed, Mick, having already given his all, could not replicate his earlier performance and did not emerge victorious. Nevertheless, public sentiment differed; to them, Mick became a hero, an icon of sports, as celebrated as any movie star, athlete, or champion horse. This acclaim extended to all associated with Mick, especially his trainer, Sydney Orton.
On July 27, 1934, a unique race took place at Wimbledon Stadium. Six dogs from the same litter, all children of Mick Miller by Toftwood Misery, took part in it. They were Mick Jolly, Mick Curious, Mick Commander, Mick Courtier, Mick Cyclone and Mick Cavalier. Mick Cavalier was the winner, beating his brother Mick Cyclone by 4 lengths.
Ballynennan Moon
This dog-faced misfortune by being born on the eve of World War II in 1939, with most of his races occurring during the tumultuous war years. Initially, he performed well in races in Ireland, his birthplace. Soon after, the wife of the Wimbledon manager purchased him from his Irish owner and entrusted him to Sydney Orton, asking him to mould the dog into a champion. Orton succeeded in this endeavour.
In 1941, he clinched victory in the Wembley Summer Cup. Over the next two years, Ballynennan Moon triumphed in numerous prestigious races, including the Walthamstow Stakes, Wimbledon Spring Cup, 1000 Guineas at Park Royal, Eclipse in Coventry, Stewards Cup in Walthamstow, and the International at Wimbledon Stadium.
Overall, during this period, he competed in 48 races, winning an impressive 40 and finishing second in 7. In 1944, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning 10 consecutive races. His victories during the challenging war years provided hope and encouragement to many people, lifting their spirits in difficult times. He was an exceptionally strong runner, likely capable of matching or exceeding Mick Miller's record. Unfortunately, the English Greyhound Derby was not held during the war, leaving Ballynennan Moon without the opportunity to compete for what would have been the pinnacle of greyhound racing—a stroke of bad luck that denied him the chance to pursue the most prestigious race in the sport.
Stratum and Grand National 1929
Irish greyhound Stratum, trained by Sydney Orton, was the top contender for the race. A formidable athlete with a fiery spirit, his determination to win was evident. However, misfortune struck right from the outset.
The race experienced delays due to one, then another, and finally a third dog, leaving Stratum growing increasingly impatient as he awaited the signal to go. Once the gates finally opened, his excitement proved too much; he was unable to sprint out in time, overwhelmed by emotions.
As the leading pack drew near the hurdle, Stratum found himself lagging slightly behind. Despite this, he launched himself alongside the others, misjudging his own strength. While the other dogs cleared the barrier, Stratum unfortunately tumbled onto his belly. This marked the end of his aspirations at the Grand National, as well as a significant setback for his trainer.
Fortunately, Stratum's health and career were not permanently impacted, but he would spend several months recovering from the incident. Sydney Orton has since reflected on that race with a sense of regret, considering it one of his most significant failures, mixed with deep concern for the well-being of such a promising runner.
Sydney Orton and the "accurate" prediction
The renowned trainer consistently steered clear of phrases like "sure," "definitely," and "without a doubt" when discussing race outcomes. If he ever heard someone express certainty about the results, he would simply walk away. He remembered a specific race as a reminder that certainty in dog racing is elusive.
On January 2, 1932, at Wimbledon Stadium, six dogs — all trained by Sidney Orton — competed in a race. A friend approached Sidney with enthusiasm, confidently asserting that one of his dogs would undoubtedly win, given that all six were from the same trainer. However, something made Sidney hesitate; a sense of unease compelled him to quickly end the conversation and depart in a state of confusion.
Despite his concerns, he convinced himself that his favourite, Mick McGee, would take the victory. Yet, as the dogs raced, Mick McGee managed to catch the hare and, in doing so, broke the pole that held it. Sidney Orton couldn't help but be amused when the race was declared void and rescheduled. In the end, there were no winners.
There's really nothing more to add.
Winterhead and the Wimbledon Gold Cup
The Wimbledon Gold Cup was long out of reach for Sydney Orton's dogs. For one reason or another, it literally slipped out of his hands year after year. There is a story connected with the first Cup he took.
When Sydney Orton took Winterhead from his owner, he gave him up with a sigh. Later, Sydney realised that it was not a sigh of regret, but a sigh of relief.
Winterhead, in the trainer's opinion, was the worst dog he had ever trained. He was clumsy, like a drunken loader. On the turns, he skidded so much that he knocked down fences. The dog did not run, but jumped like a big, awkward squirrel.
But when he was in the mood, he could show class. On the first turn, he could lag behind the leaders by several lengths, and on the second turn, he was already leading the race. This dog, as Orton admitted, got the better of him, one of the few. He was never able to make her completely obedient.
As a good jumper, the trainer sent him to the Grand National, where Winterhead diligently jumped over barriers, paying more attention to the height and beauty of the jump than to the time of the race.
But one day, Sydney Orton, on a hunch, decided to send Winterhead to the Gold Cup. And this dunce won it, easily beating the famous champions. Which made his trainer and, of course, numerous fans very happy.