The grandson of legendary greyhound trainer Ken Peckham was blown away when kennel star Tiffield Tarquin went fastest in the Arena Racing Company Laurels heats on Saturday.
Roy Peckham’s two-year-old was one of only two greyhounds to break 28 seconds at Perry Barr as the Birmingham venue hosted heats for the 91st renewal of the competition which is worth £12,500 to the winner.
The win booked Tiffield Tarquin’s spot in Saturday’s semifinals, which is headlined by a star line-up including Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks champion Druids Say Go, Produce Stakes winner Southfield Poppy and multiple Category One hero Churchfield Syd.
Saturday’s semifinal represents Roy’s dog’s toughest assignment yet, but with a clear run from trap six the Norfolk handler sees no reason why his greyhound can’t challenge for a final spot.
“We’re over the moon with the run,” said Roy. “He’s found a good chunk of time from his first trial at Perry Barr so we couldn’t be happier to be in the semifinals.
“It was only his second run from trap six and it’s a box which seems to suit him well after some trial and error in the other jackets.
“If we get a clear run, there’s every chance he can reach the final. But it’s a tough semifinal.
“Hilton Wolf (trap five) has some great early pace and Druids Say Go is a phenomenal greyhound, to break 28 seconds in all her Oaks runs last year and win the competition unbeaten is some achievement – she’ll be hard to stop.
“From our point of view, we have no excuses. He’s in the competition on merit and is good enough on his day to qualify, so fingers crossed.”
Roy’s connection to greyhound racing started before he could walk when his grandfather Ken trained the legendary Scurlogue Champ.
Regarded as one of the world’s most famous racing greyhounds, Scurlogue Champ won the Cesarewitch in 1985 and the BBC Television Trophy back-to-back in 1985 and 1986. His career ended with an extraordinary 20 track records and 51 wins from 63 races.
“I don’t remember his racing days – I was still too young,” said Roy. “But when he retired from racing I was living in a caravan in my nan and grandad’s back garden.
“He was always out in the sunshine and loved life. The legacy he left on the sport is phenomenal and we were very fortunate to have a greyhound like him in the kennel.”
Tickets for the Arena Racing Company Laurels semifinals on Saturday, April 12, are available from £8 and can be purchased by clicking here. Doors open at 6pm with the first of 12 races on the night off an hour later.
The final will take place a week later where Perry Barr is opening its doors for free to the first 200 people who book.
Arena Racing Company Laurels semifinal draw:
Semi Final One: Druids Say Go, Romeo Kingpin, Millbank Boiler, Coppice Trophy, Hilton Wolf, Tiffield Tarquin.
Semi Final Two: Untold Ruble, Southfield Poppy, Antigua Kestrel, Armagh Daithi, Brinkleys Louis, Churchfield Syd.
Semi Final Three: Aayamza Sydney, Wrighty, Unanimous Leon, Droopys Prefect, Bacon Roll, Whitewood Lenny.
