A syndicate better-known for its achievements on the racecourse is one race away from qualifying for one of greyhound racing’s most prestigious finals worth £20,000 to the winner.
Value Racing Club has entered the winners’ enclosure at Ascot, Newmarket and Sandown Racecourses through its ownership of racehorses since the group was founded in 2013.
The club experienced its biggest night trackside at the greyhounds only last month when star bitch Druids Say Go won the East Anglian Derby at Yarmouth, collecting £15,000 in prize money.
Now, the daughter of champion sire Droopys Sydney is less than 30 seconds away from qualifying for the UK’s most prestigious competition open exclusively to bitches – the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks.
The three-year-old is based with Hockwold-cum-Wilton trainer Patrick Janssens.
She won her heat and quarter final and must now finish in the first three of her respective semi final at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday to be in with a chance of etching her name in greyhound racing history.
James Couldwell, Founder of Value Racing Club and part-owner of Druids Say Go, is hopeful his greyhound can achieve what no dog has done previously by completing the East Anglian Derby-Oaks double in the same year.
“She didn’t put a paw wrong in her quarter final run,” said James. “Patrick (Janssens) said she’s come out of the race well which is pleasing so we’re confident she’s in a good place ahead of the semi-finals.
“The draw isn’t ideal for her. She loves to hug the rail so because she’s coming from trap five, she’ll need to show the early pace she has done in her last two runs to get to the first bend in front. With a repeat performance, you’d like to think she’ll make the final and potentially win the competition.
“But it’s a big ask for any greyhound – the Oaks is a huge test, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.
“We’ve had to be patient with her, but Patrick has said all year that the East Anglian Derby and Oaks are her two main targets. He’s a great trainer for us – every greyhound we’ve placed in his kennel has won – so fingers crossed we can experience more success this month.”
Joining Druids Say Go in Semi Final One are unbeaten pair Ballyhealy Star and Distant Cara plus four-times Category One finalist Droopys Eunice, Oaks Trial Stakes winner Catunda Layla and British Bred Oaks winner Coppice Ella.
Other noticeable names to advance on Saturday were Empress Stakes runner-up Icemans Girl, Arena Racing Company Kent Plate champion Queen Joni, Golden Sprint winner Front Alice and last year’s Puppy Oaks champion Queen Dusty.
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings for the semi finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks on Saturday at Perry Barr are available online here. Doors open at 6pm with the first race beginning an hour later.
2024 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks semi finals:
Semi Final One, 7.36pm: Ballyhealy Star, Droopys Eunice, Distant Cara, Catunda Layla, Druids Say Go, Coppice Ella.
Semi Final Two, 8.11pm: Icemans Girl, Chamberlain Kate, Queen Joni, Devilgate Suzi, Front Alice, Queen Dusty.
