The UK’s top greyhounds will travel to Perry Barr Stadium this month to crown the best trainer in the land as the Birmingham venue hosts the fifth renewal of Judgement Night.
Formerly known as the Trainers’ Championship, Judgement Night sees the top six trainers by rankings enter their best greyhounds into six individual races where points for each kennel are accumulated based on where each dog finishes its race.
Races will be split into two divisions of Perry Barr’s standard 480m trip, plus a race each for bitches and puppies with one sprint race and a stayers contest. Trainers can boost their chances of scooping the top prize by playing a joker card in one race too, where points will count for double.
Ten points are awarded to each winning greyhound, seven points for second, five points for third, three points for fourth, two points for fifth and a point for sixth. The trainer that accumulates the most points after six races is crowned champion.
Confirmed to participate this year are Mark Wallis, Patrick Janssens, Tom Heilbron, Kevin Hutton, Maxine Locke and Ricky Holloway.
To celebrate the 48th edition of the competition, Perry Barr is opening its doors for free to those who book in advance. Held on Saturday, March 29, the first of 12 live races on the night will be run at 7pm.
Chris Black, General Manager at Perry Barr Stadium, hopes to see a big turnout for one of greyhound racing’s most prestigious competitions.
“Every greyhound trainer dreams of having a chance of winning Judgement Night,” said Chris. “It’s an evening where the best take on the best, and we’re proud to once again host this prestigious competition.
“The format is unique to greyhound racing, so to mark the evening we’re handing out free tickets to those who book in advance.
“The racing will be ultra-competitive and for anyone yet to experience a night at the greyhounds this is a date which should be firmly locked in your calendar.”
Judgement Night’s present format has been held since the pandemic, but the competition dates back to 1977 where Natalie Savva and Geoff De Mulder shared the trophy after tying on points.
Kent-based Elizabeth McNair won the most recent renewal at Hove with other champions including legendary trainers Charlie Lister OBE (2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013), Nick and Natalie Savva (1977, 1983, 2000, 2012), Mark Wallis (2006, 2010, 2018, 2022) and Kevin Hutton (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021).
For those unable to be trackside, this year’s event will be broadcast live via Gone to the Dogs’ YouTube channel featuring expert punditry and live interviews from trainers and owners.
To reserve your free ticket to Judgement Night 2025 at Perry Barr Stadium on Saturday, March 29, racegoers can message the track on one of its social media channels or email info@perrybarr-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 6pm with race one off an hour later.
The draw for Judgement Night will be done on Saturday, March 22.
