Jimmy Fenwick paid tribute to “great friend” Harry Burton ahead of Thursday’s inaugural Harry Burton Trophy final at Newcastle Stadium, where he’s represented by three finalists.
The Ashington trainer qualified Ballymac Service, Elusivenomore and Woltemade for the £3,500 Category Two final, which forms part of a sparkling card headlined by the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby.
Jimmy’s trio will be joined by Savva Roberts’ Born Scooby and Mossend Brute, plus Stephen Caile’s Hardwick Woody.
Finest hour
Thursday’s final comes almost three years after Burton’s finest hour in the sport when Johnny Whiskers spectacularly won the 2023 Arena Racing Company Grand Prix final at nearby Sunderland Stadium.
Jimmy said he’d be delighted to win the competition named in Harry’s honour.
“Harry was a great friend,” said Jimmy.
“He’s from Ashington where we’re based and on the rare occasion I couldn’t make a Newcastle United fixture, Harry and his grandson were first in line to have my ticket.
“He’s greatly missed, and I’d love to win Thursday’s race with one of our three greyhounds.”
Highest level
Jimmy’s three finalists have already experienced success at the sport’s highest level.
Elusivenomore and Woltemade won the 2025 Gymcrack at Sheffield and 2026 Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby final respectively, while Ballymac Service was runner-up in the latter of those two competitions.
“It’s a great race,” said Jimmy. “Ballymac Service has been running consistently, but he’d need to have a good position at the first bend.
“We know Elusivenomore needs trap one in a perfect world, so he’ll need an exceptional start to clear the two greyhounds on his inside.
“Woltemade does have his draw, though. He’s proven at this level at Newcastle and clocked the fastest time of the competition in the heats so fingers crossed for a repeat performance.”
Major step up
Elsewhere on the night, the track will host the £7,500 BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby where Jimmy is represented by Woo Hoos Hugo.
The race represents a major step up for the October ’22 brindled dog, who was competing at A4 grade only last month. Jimmy said luck in running is the key to success if he is to stand a chance of potentially doubling up on the night.
Jimmy added: “He’ll be a big price, but if he runs his race then you never know.
“His strength in the race is that the greyhounds in traps one, three and four all have good early pace.
“If he’s in the right position at the first bend, the race could fall into his lap. But it is a big ask and to reach the final is an achievement in itself.”
Ticket info
Tickets for Thursday’s BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby final at Newcastle Stadium can be booked online via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
2026 BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby final: Romeo Liberty, Woo Hoos Hugo, Queen Katherine, Glengar Vegas, Ballycian Boy, Romeo Elite.
Harry Burton Trophy final: Born Scooby, Ballymac Service, Elusivenomore, Woltemade, Hardwick Woody, Mossend Brute.
