Droopys Clue remains on course to make history by becoming the first dog to defend the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger following a show-stopping first round performance.
Seamus Cahill’s talented three-year-old blew his rivals away when making the perfect start to his title defence in Heat Five of Saturday’s opening round, beating his nearest rival by more than 15 lengths.
The 2023 Greyhound Board of Great Britain Greyhound of the Year stopped Perry Barr’s 710m clock at 42.74 seconds – 0.41 seconds outside his own track record time – to advance to Saturday’s semi finals.
Despite already being odds-on to defend his crown, the son of Droopys Natalia has been drawn next to multiple Category One finalist and second favourite in the ante-post market Haka Carlo in Semi Final Two.
The race includes last year’s St Leger semi finalist HopieHopieHopie, three-times open race winner Trickycinderella, Coronation Cup finalist Tromora Rex and the locally trained Hawk.
Only the first two will advance to the following week’s final, worth £20,000 to the winner, and trainer Seamus was in high spirits after watching Saturday’s race.
“We couldn’t have wished for a better start, it was a superb effort,” said Seamus. “We’re really happy with him and he’s come out of the race well.
“We’re happy enough with Saturday’s draw. Haka Carlo in trap two is a talented greyhound and the run to the first bend will be key.
“It was heavy going on Saturday with all the rainfall but credit to Perry Barr’s track team. They did an outstanding job and the surface ran really well through the night.”
Also featuring in Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger semi finals are Kent St Leger champion Coonough Crow, local hope Hurry Up Jordan for trainer John Lambe and Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby winner Clona Curly.
Running parallel with the St Leger is the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup held in memory of Michael Lambe Snr.
Nathan Hunt – one of the sport’s youngest GBGB licensed trainers – has three chances of qualifying for the £12,500 final after kennel stars Cunnigar Yousir, Untold Paanga and Seaview Sydney advanced past round one.
The 30-year-old has already won a Category Two competition this year with Allowdale Cazoo who scooped the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy at Crayford in February. He now hopes to add a Category One title to his name at a track where his enthusiasm for racing started.
“My neighbour Lynn Short introduced me to greyhound racing – and I worked for her as a kennel hand while she was attached to Perry Barr,” said Nathan. “I have fond memories of the stadium, so to win a Category One competition there would mean a lot.
“Cunnigar Yousir came up against a brilliant greyhound (Bockos Thunder) in his heat and has a tough semi final draw. He’ll need to trap well to reach the final as there’s a lot of pace in the race.
“Untold Paanga ran really well to win his heat and Seaview Sydney has been a touch unlucky his last couple of runs but he’s in good form and is getting stronger for every run.”
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings for the semi finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger and M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup on Saturday night can be purchased here. Doors open at 6pm with race one beginning an hour later.
Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger Semi Final draw:
Semi Final One: Coonough Crow, Lively Lauren, Mrs Doyle, Greenwell Ange, Savana Jackpot, Hurry Up Jordan.
Semi Final Two: Droopys Clue, Haka Carlo, HopieHopieHopie, Trickycinderella, Tromora Rex, Hawk.
Semi Final Three: Tuona Bella, Magical Luna, Lamorna Amaza, Clona Curly, Move Over Ogie, Toddys Thunder.
M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup Semi Final draw:
Semi Final One: Droopys Extragud, Aero Sacundai, Unanimous Leon, Cunnigar Yousir, Tricky Wiggles, Ballycleary Ten.
Semi Final Two: No Better Feelin, Whyaye Man, Long Fellow, Rioja Bungle, Bockos Thunder, Brickwork Ruck.
Semi Final Three: Aero Pattika, Aayamza Sydney, Untold Paanga, Seaview Sydney, Aghaburren Beau, Darley Diglake.
