The trainer behind Mickys Barrett’s emotional Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup triumph in 2022 is dreaming of repeating his success with another syndicate-owned star.
Jason Gray experienced one of the greatest nights of his career on December 27, 2022, when Mickys Barrett – a greyhound owned by 67 close friends and family of the late Mick Barrett – scooped Newcastle Stadium’s richest race and £20,000 in prize money.
Three years later, the Nottinghamshire trainer could emulate his finest hour with five-times Open Race winner Loxleys Forest, owned by the Robin Hood Racing syndicate.
The September ’22 son of 2020 Irish Greyhound Derby finalist Pestana has been drawn in the last of Thursday’s six qualifying heats where a top three finish will book his spot in the following week’s semi-finals.
Pleased
After winning a Category Three final over Nottingham’s 680m trip on Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse finals night, Jason and connections agreed a tilt at the All England Cup was the next logical step.
And after posting 28.95 during his first look over Newcastle’s 480m distance, Jason said his kennel star is raring to go.
“He’s a completely different greyhound to Micky,” said Jason.
“Although he doesn’t quite have the early pace a typical four-bend greyhound would have, he stays on really well and Newcastle is one of the harder 480m trips.
“He’s been beating some top class dogs over 500m at Nottingham so we had a chat with the owners and agreed to go for it.
“He’s got his draw in trap one, the key to us qualifying is not being held up at the first bend. I’d like to think if he turned into the back straight in fourth he could do enough to qualify, we’ll see.
“We’re pleased with the time posted for his solo trial, he should go quicker this week and he’ll need to if he’s to qualify.
“The other positive was he travelled well too. The bulk of his racing has been at Nottingham which is an hour from our kennel, so to travel further and still perform is a good sign.”
Legacy
Now happily retired with Nottingham couple Jon Peck and Janice Needham, Mickys Barrett is – arguably – the All England Cup’s most celebrated champion in the competition’s 87-year history.
The 67-strong Micky Barrett Syndicate bought the five-year-old greyhound and named him in honour of their friend Mick Barrett, who died from cancer in 2021.
He won 18 races during his sparkling two-year career, and even qualified for the 2022 English Greyhound Derby final.
But it was his success at Newcastle in the 2022 Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup which stands out most in Jason’s mind.
He added: “For me, winning the All England Cup topped qualifying for the English Derby final.
“I love running my greyhounds at Newcastle. The people connected to the track are knowledgeable, and always make us feel welcome.
“I remember everyone congratulating us on the night, even though they’d missed out on the track’s biggest competition of the year.
“That win four years ago cemented his legacy as a great four-bend competition greyhound. He deserved it so much, and if we can repeat the achievement this year I’d be over the moon.”
Elusivenomore & Unanimous Leon
Other greyhounds of note running in Thursday’s heats include Gymcrack champion Elusivenomore for Ashington trainer Jimmy Fenwick, last year’s runner-up Unanimous Leon and recent Premier Greyhound Racing Classic champion Santas Amigo.
Tickets for the 2025 Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup can be purchased via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
The competition reaches its climax with a sparkling finals night on Saturday, December 27.
Racing begins at 6.37pm for the heats and semi-finals on December 11 and 18, respectively, with finals night starting earlier at 6.31pm.
Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup draw
Heat One: Elusivenomore, Droopys Sort, Swift Hostile, Toddys Tank, Delvin Cat, Blackhouse Kim.
Heat Two: Freedom Pro Am, Ballymac Briar, Zenith Tanju, Naochra, Slingshot Poppy, Jacktavern Chief.
Heat Three: Unanimous Leon, Crooks Coco, Coonough May, Moanteen Webby, Hardwick Woody, Saleen Ri.
Heat Four: Coppice Saphire, Ballymac Lake, Four Over, Ballymac Sargie, Singalong Molly, Slingshot Kian.
Heat Five: Droopys Bookem, Deerjet Rocket, Jackos Bono, Crooks Stevie, Coolavanny Mercy, Coolavanny Ken.
Heat Six: Loxleys Forest, Blackhouse Lewi, Parkview Sprite, Santas Amigo, Fabulous Harmony, Bombay Fantasy.
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