Category One racing returns to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium this month, and one local trainer is hoping a homebred can outperform the competition when it matters most.
Colin Wilton qualified kennel star Sambar Kian for the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse final in November.
Three months on, and Colin has entered Hinault Mcrow into the BGBF British Breeders’ Stakes which begins at the Colwick Park venue on Monday with four qualifying heats.
The April ’22 dog started his career at A7 grade and has now advanced to greyhound racing’s highest tier for the first time. Colin accepts his sole representative will find it tough to reach the final, but that doesn’t mean he and his staff aren’t keeping their fingers crossed.
“He’s really improved in the last four months,” said Colin. “Realistically, this is a tough ask. But it’s a great opportunity for him to mix it with some of the best greyhounds in the country.
“He’s been drawn in trap one which will suit him. He’s been showing good early pace recently so if he turns at the bend in front you never know because he’s a game dog and will keep finding more in front.
“We’ve had a good start to the year and progressed plenty of our greyhounds to A2 grade and higher. Touch wood the good run can continue.”
Other greyhounds of note to enter the competition include defending champion Acomb Felix for trainer Kevin Ferguson, who also runs last year’s finalist Acomb Johnny.
2023 English Greyhound Derby runner-up Romeo Command will feature in heat three.
Meanwhile multiple Category One finalist Keefill Goose is another to feature for trainer Phil Milner while BGBF British Bred Derby runner-up Romeo Control runs in heat two. Local trainer Jill Llewellin is treble handed meanwhile with Wolf Gold, Wolf Jet and Wolf Moon.
Tickets for the heats of the BGBF British Breeders’ Stakes at Nottingham Stadium on Monday, March 3, are available from £8 by visiting www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk.
BGBF British Breeders Stakes draw
Heat One: Hinault Mcrow, Bang On Edith, Coppice Tatiana, Wolf Gold, Keefill Goose, Holding Harry.
Heat Two: Romeo Control, Izzys Tenpin, Keefill Vale, Savana Merapi, Wolf Moon, Hurry Up Brendan.
Heat Three: Aero Boris, Wolf Jet, Eagles Respect, Romeo Command, Acomb Johnny, Savanaheroubreio.
Heat Four: Romeo Empire, Savana Vesuvius, Acomb Felix, Malcolm Bosh, Bang On Polly, Blackhouse Kim.
