Hopes of a local winner in this year’s Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat are high, with no fewer than fifteen greyhounds from Newcastle Stadium qualifying for the semi finals.
Ashington-based trainer Jimmy Fenwick – who landed last year’s trophy with Brookside Richie – qualified his three entrants Ballymac Lineout, Greenwell Ovett and Wicky Ned while Trimdon’s Tom Heilbron reached the next round with Romeo Crossfire, Brinkleys Magic, Bogger Rambo and Untold Euro.
There was success too for Brian Fairbairn whose Slingshot Sam and Jacktavern Vegas booked their semi final spots while Raymond Hale, Stephen Caile, Angela Harrison and George Stark qualified Paisley Pirates, Delvin Cat, Moanteen Webby and Popper Flenky respectively.
Also in the draw are Savva Roberts’ Annadown Panther and Tonelagee. The County Durham trainer qualified for the final of the prestigious Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup in December with Pape Di Oro who finished fifth in the £20,000 race.
Reaching another prestigious final at his local track would serve as a much-deserved reward for his two greyhounds, which are both owned by the Hammerfoot Syndicate.
“Any open race in the north-east is competitive,” said Savva. “But Category One racing takes it to a new level.
“Annadown Panther ran really well in last week’s opening round. He’s still a young dog and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come from him – he can only improve for each run. His draw for the semi finals is perfect so we’re looking forward to the race.
“Tonelagee has bags of early pace and he’s beginning to show that now in his races. You need luck in competitions like the Northern Flat, but finishing in the top two is within his ability.
“Reaching the final of one of the north-east’s most prestigious races would mean the world to our team. We haven’t had much success in the Northern Flat previously, but qualifying for next week would be a great reward for all the hard work that goes in.”
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant space for the semi finals of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat are available to book by clicking here. Gates open at 5.45pm with the first of 12 races on the night due off at 6.37pm.
Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat semi finals:
Semi Final One – Ballymac Lineout, Untold Euro, Romeo Crossfire, Jacktavern Vegas, Catunda Ciaran, Delvin Cat.
Semi Final Two – Wicky Ned, Bogger Rambo, Annadown Panther, Moanteen Webby, Slingshot Sam, Paisley Pirate.
Semi Final Three – Brinckleys Magic, Greenwell Ovett, Popper Flenky, Antigua Eagle, Tonelagee, Mickys Tribute.
