The richest and most prestigious greyhound racing competition in the East Midlands begins on Monday at Nottingham Stadium, and several local trainers are hoping to scoop first prize.
First held in 1938, the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse has been won by the sport’s most recognisable names historically – including Dorotas Wildcat in 2018 and Some Picture in 1996.
The competition carries a £20,000 prize for winning connections, and a third of this year’s entrants are trained by handlers attached to the Colwick Park track.
Lifetime ambition
Barry Denby, who realised a lifetime ambition only last month when winning the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks with kennel star Butlers Lane, is among those to be represented as Bellmore Ginger runs in her second Category One competition.
Markfield based handler Neil Chapman has also entered duo Glenhead Sam and Brinkleys Louis while Jason Gray is represented by a quartet of runners in Thequietman, Kellies Emerald, Loxleys Forest and Untold Real.
Esther Driver, Adrian McPherson and Jill Llewellin meanwhile all hold one entry each with Hopes Ompaloompa, Honour Bach and Vale Bluebell respectively.
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High-quality racing
David Evans, General Manager at Nottingham Stadium, said racegoers can look forward to the highest quality racing across three successive Monday nights.
“The Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse is our showpiece competition,” said David.
“This year’s event has attracted a star line-up, but there’s hope for a local hero with so many of the runners entered based locally after proving themselves in Open Race company which is something we should be proud of.
“We’ve witnessed some great performances in our three other major finals already this year, and anticipate more of the same in the next fortnight.
“Best of luck to all runners and their connections, we also thank Premier Greyhound Racing for its continued support of the Eclipse.”
Notable entrants
Other notable entrants include Birmingham Cup champion Chelms Bear, English Greyhound Derby semi-finalist Droopys Bookem, Gymcrack hero Elusivenomore, duel Category One winner Proper Heiress and Winter Derby runner-up Gary The Arb.
Tickets for the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse heats on Monday, November 10, can be purchased online via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk.
The track has also launched a free admission, drink and race card offer for finals night in a fortnight for all racegoers who book online in advance.
Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse draw:
Heat One: Droopys Suprstar, Baby Warrior, Chelms Bear, Droopys Bookem, Droopys Poker, Vacant.
Heat Two: Droopys Aladdin, Newinn Oscar, Kilmore Dancer, Glenhead Sam, Vacant, Brigadir Brindle.
Heat Three: Elusivenomore, Hopes Ompaloompa, Loxleys Forest, Untold Real, Vacant, Brinkleys Louis.
Heat Four: Proper Heiress, Kellies Emerald, Raebella Bullet, Bellmore Ginger, Vacant, Team News.
Heat Five: Honour Bach, Pain Barrier, Gary The Arb, Ballymac Sargie, Vacant, Carrick Cantona.
Heat Six: Up The Game, Vale Bluebell, Sole Mio, Thequietman, Carrick Scholsey, Vacant.
