Nottingham will be represented by a local runner in Monday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse final after Sambar Kian qualified for the venue’s feature race of the year.
Trained by Colin Wilton, Sambar Kian finished second in the concluding semi final behind 2023 English Greyhound Derby runner-up Romeo Command to book his spot in the race which is worth £20,000 to the winner.
The achievement broke new ground for Colin – a former salesman who quit his job in 2011 to pursue his dream of training greyhounds professionally – as he has never previously been represented in a Category One final at his local track.
Trap four for the big race
Sambar Kian has been drawn in Trap Four for the big race. The final also features Romeo Command, Romeo Steel, Antigua Kestrel, Slick Sentinel and three-times Category One competition winner Wicky Ned.
Only 15 months ago, the three-year-old white and black dog was graded in A4 company. So Colin was understandably thrilled to reach the Eclipse final.
“Monday was our final,” said Colin. “If we qualified it was a job well done, and we did!
A big supporter of our kennel
“I’m delighted for Barry (Julian, owner) as he’s been a big supporter of our kennel. He deserves to be represented in such a prestigious competition.
“We’re the outsiders, but if luck is on our side on the night, you never know. It’s a quality race which we’re so pleased to be part of.”
Owner Barry will join Colin, his wife Diane, daughter Kellie and her partner Sam trackside on the night to cheer Sambar Kian on. He described qualifying for the final as a dream come true.
Over the moon
“We’re over the moon to reach the final,” said Barry. “He’s had a fantastic year at Nottingham winning 13 races, but this is his biggest test.
“We’re really looking forward to being part of the final.”
Sambar Kian isn’t the only finalist from Colin’s kennel on Monday night. Crafty Pardiso qualified for the Category Three Arena Racing Company Ladies Trophy final with Crafty Elmo reaching the Arena Racing Company Gents Trophy final.
Tens On also qualified for the Arena Racing Company Maiden Standard Trophy.
Free entry for the Eclipse Final
Admission for the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse finals night on Monday, November 25, is free for all racegoers with doors opening at 5.30pm and the first of 12 races off at 6.37pm.
