Spennymoor trainer Yvonne Bell hopes Friday’s Arena Racing Company Grand Prix heats will bring out the best in Zari Newinn, who has been entered into his first major competition.
The £12,500 to the winner event begins at Sunderland Stadium on Good Friday and is the first of four major competitions to be held at the Newcastle Road venue this year.
It has attracted a star line-up, with greyhounds from across the UK descending on the north-east including Blue Riband champion Table Toppers, British Bred Maiden Derby runner-up Greenwell Bolt and local favourite Killieford Goram.
Sole entry
Yvonne’s sole entry has raced in Category Three company twice before.
And although Friday’s race represents a major step-up in class, she is hopeful – with a quick break – that her March ’24 dog can have his moment in the spotlight.
“It’s a massive step up for him,” said Yvonne.
“We’ve always viewed him as a greyhound with the ability to stay further than the standard trip, and he does.
“But he can be so unreliable at the traps as we saw last week, and he has a tendency to find trouble during a race.
Great potential
“There’s no doubt he has great potential, and I’d love him to show us that potential in the Grand Prix. It has taken him a while to get used to the track at Sunderland, but I think he’s there now.
“We’re in it to win it, and if he can get his trapping paws on for Friday’s heat you never know.
“But the potential is there, we just have to unlock it.”
The first three greyhounds to finish each of Friday’s four heats will advance to the ARC Grand Prix’s semi-finals, with the top three from those races making up the final on Friday, April 17.
Tickets and hospitality packages for all rounds of the competition are available to book online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races off at 6.23pm.
2026 Arena Racing Company Grand Prix draw:
Heat One: Table Toppers, Zari Newinn, Zenith Magic, Witton Gucci, Harness Bell, Bombay Fantasy.
Heat Two: Glengar Lisa, Killieford Goram, Anglesey Savana, Vhagar, Sheilas Sky, Greenwell Bolt.
Heat Three: Borna Parachute, Bombay Nutty, Zenith Legend, Ballymac Sargie, Noelles Glenlo, Jacktavern Lab.
Heat Four: Proper Rockett, Maes Maya, Newinn Cloud, Droopys Cardi, Romeo Alonso, Not To Be.
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