The Derby dream remains alive for one greyhound trainer attached to Nottingham Stadium whose kennel star is only two races away from qualifying for Europe’s richest race.
Esther Driver has worked with greyhounds all her life and took over the license of partner Paul Sallis earlier this year as he prepared to undergo heart surgery.
The 46-year-old has qualified two-year-old No Better Feelin for the English Greyhound Derby quarter finals at Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire while Paul is in recovery.
A place in the competition’s semi finals is within their grasp and would break new ground for the Overseal-based kennel which has reached this stage of the £175,000 to the winner event only once previously.
A Gymcrack and Puppy Classic finalist, No Better Feelin enters Saturday’s race in good form having placed first, second and second in his respective heats to date.
“It’s a competition of hopes and dreams,” said Esther. “We’ve kept him fresh for the Derby and for us it’s a case of hoping he can keep qualifying week by week, which he’s been doing.
“We’re so pleased to have reached the quarter finals, and he’s coming into form at the right time I feel.
“The key for us is routine. He knows every day at 6am that he’s let out – and his three walks each day happen at the same time.
“We never change their routine and feeding happens at the same time each day too.”
Saturday’s race represents No Better Feelin’s biggest challenge to date.
He’s been drawn against Romeo Empire, defending champion De Lahdedah, last year’s finalist Churchfield Syd plus Hello Diego and Tiffield Tarquin.
Finishing in the top three would be enough to confirm his spot in the semi finals.
And Esther is hoping her star hound can do just that for owners Dave and Diane Wood who have supported the racing operation at Skyfall Racing while Paul recovers from his operation.
“Romeo Empire can be slower away from the traps, so if he can get his pitch at the first turn and hold it who knows,” said Esther. “I’m delighted for his owners Dave and Diane.
“I’d be lost without their support since Paul’s operation.
“Reaching the semi finals would be a dream, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed.”
No Better Feelin’s quarter final is due off at 8.39pm.
Meanwhile greyhound racing continues at Nottingham Stadium on Friday nights through the summer with racing starting at 6.15pm and tickets available from £8 by clicking here.
