A star-studded line-up has been confirmed for the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup which begins at Perry Barr Stadium on Saturday, held in memory of Michael Lambe Senior.
Category One winners Aero Sacundai, Links Maverick and Long Fellow will all feature in Round One alongside 2024 English Greyhound Derby finalist Whyaye Man and recent Jenningsbet Puppy Classic finalists No Better Feelin, Droopys Extragud and Rioja Bungle.
First held in 1939, the Birmingham Cup is one of UK greyhound racing’s longest running competitions and celebrates its fifth year with leading civil engineering specialists M Lambe Construction as sponsors.
This year’s event is dedicated to the late Michael Lambe Senior – a greyhound racing enthusiast whose son, John Lambe, continues to race his dogs at Perry Barr.
John has two entries in this year’s competition – On The Tail and Delicate Lass who run in heats five and six respectively. Finishing in the top three of Saturday’s heats will book their spots in the following week’s semi-finals with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, September 21.
“My dad loved the Birmingham Cup, so it’s fitting the race is named in his memory,” said John. “It’s nice to have a couple of runners in the competition, and we’re hopeful of progressing past the first round.
“On The Tail is in the form of his life. He’s been with us since his first birthday and is improving each day. Some greyhounds are like that, he’s a late developer and although his draw isn’t ideal he’s earned his place.
“Delicate Lass is a nice bitch and is out of season which makes us believe she can improve as the competition develops. Either of the three inside boxes will suit her, so she has her draw.
“There’s a lot of early pace in her heat so she’ll need to be towards the front early on to qualify. Our hope is she can do that and come on for the run.”
Running parallel with the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup is the 92nd running of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger, worth £20,000 to the winner.
John runs kennel star Hurry Up Jordan in the competition which was traditionally held at Wembley Stadium and has been won by the likes of Wembley 100 inductee Mick The Millar, Dolores Rocket and 2023 Greyhound of the Year Droopys Clue – who’s back to defend his crown.
John added: “(Hurry Up) Jordan is probably the best dog we’ve had. He’s had three trials which have helped his preparations, if he can qualify on Saturday we’d be over the moon.”
Perry Barr’s bumper 12-race Category One card on Saturday night begins at 7.01pm with tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings available by clicking here.
M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup in memory of Michael Lambe Senior, Round One:
Heat One: Rioja Bungle, Beepers Lariat, Cunnigar Yousir, Bockos Thunder, Silverhill Ben, Aero Bono.
Heat Two: Sir Oreo, Aero Sacundai, Trooper Mcevoy, Seaview Sydney, Aghaburren Beau, Lynnia Cyflym.
Heat Three: Untold Paanga, Whyaye Man, Unanimous Leon, Naochra, Tonelagee, Aghaburren Fuse.
Heat Four: Long Fellow, Ask Nicely, Links Maverick, Senahel Tedster, Brickwork Ruck, Ballycleary Ten.
Heat Five: Aayamza Sydney, Aero Pattika, Arthur Cornflake, Speedy Joey, Tricky Wiggles, On The Tail.
Heat Six: No Better Feelin, Droopys Extragud, Delicate Lass, Stormy News, Union Rose, Darley Diglake.
