A couple who won their first Category One competition after 30 years of owning greyhounds are dreaming of more success in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr Stadium.
Paul and Sarah Woodburn of Bletchingdon, Oxfordshire, scooped their first major prize on Saturday when Rioja Bungle won the £12,500 M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup in Memory of Michael Lambe Snr.
Seven days on from Bungle’s triumph, the Woodburns will be back trackside supporting star bitch Rioja Maxi who is one of 48 greyhounds confirmed to run in this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks worth £20,000 to the winner.
The brindled and white bitch was purchased by Sarah following a trip to Ireland, and she’s since won more than half (12 out of 23) of the Open Races she’s competed in.
Now, her first Oaks campaign begins on Saturday night in Heat Three where she must finish in the first three to advance to Round Two. Sarah described Rioja Maxi as her pride and joy ahead of Saturday’s big race where she’ll meet Melbourne Emma, Fabulous Terra, Delicate Lass, Ballyhealy Star and Mystical Mango.
“You dream of owning greyhounds at this level,” said Sarah. “My partner and I have owned greyhounds since the early 90s, so to get that Category One win with (Rioja) Bungle in the Birmingham Cup was amazing.
“Now everyone’s attention diverts to the Oaks which Kevin (Hutton, trainer) has a great record in. (Rioja) Maxi is such a special greyhound to me. We first saw her as a pup in Ireland and I fell in love with her instantly.
“She won 10 out of 12 open races before coming into season this summer and last weekend was her first race back after her break. It can take a bit of time to build her fitness up, but we’re hopeful last week’s run has helped with her preparations for the competition.
“It’s a competitive competition but one we’re excited to be part of.”
Sarah confessed a space on the family home’s sofa is ready and waiting when Rioja Maxi retires. The daughter of Droopys Sydney has previously taken a shine to Perry Barr when winning the Arena Racing Company Bitches on Laurels final night in April, and Sarah is hopeful of a follow-up performance.
“There’s a sofa ready and waiting for her when she retires,” said Sarah. “We’ll consider having a litter of pups from her too, but nothing is decided yet.
“The Oaks is a great test for any greyhound so fingers crossed she can place in the first three and qualify for Round Two.”
Other greyhounds of note entered in this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks include recent Empress Stakes winner Avongate Venus, East Anglian Derby winner Druids Say Go, Produce Stakes hero Southfield Poppy and Arena Racing Company Kent Plate champion Queen Joni.
Tickets for Round One are available online by clicking here. Racing begins at 7.01pm with doors opening at 6pm.
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks Round One draw:
Heat One: Dreamin Folly, Highview Jasman, Untold Florin, Druids Say Go, Avongate Venus, Toddys Thunder.
Heat Two: All The Glory, Jet Stream Angel, Lamorna Lexi, Starshinestunner, Leighas Dream, Swift Regina.
Heat Three: Melbourne Emma, Fabulous Terra, Delicate Lass, Ballyhealy Star, Rioja Maxi, Mystical Mango.
Heat Four: Catunda Layla, Southfield Poppy, Icemans Girl, Bang On Edith, Untold Shah, Ballymac Cline.
Heat Five: Paradise Sky, Untold Ruble, Queen Joni, Signet Tess, Jacintas Lady, Droopys Glam.
Heat Six: Devilgate Suzi, Chamberlain Kate, Bockos Sapphire, Front Alice, Allowdale Cazoo, Majella.
Heat Seven: Distant Cara, March On Mini, Queen Shakira, Southfield Petal, Chakra, Coppice Ella.
Heat Eight: Loli Pop Jamstyx, Droopys Eunice, Glengar Bridie, Too Wright, Ballymac Zari, Queen Dusty.
