Two friends who purchased a greyhound to keep the name of a former trainer alive are dreaming of success at the highest level in UK greyhound racing for the first time this month.
Colin Pocock and Colin Barry can trace their days trackside back to the 1970s when Eastville Stadium – the former home of Bristol Rovers FC – would host greyhound racing every Wednesday and Saturday evening.
The pair befriended much-loved trainer Bob Smith, who died following a heart attack.
In memory of Bob, both Colins took on The Honest Bob Syndicate and purchased brindled bitch Dapper Daffy with a view to winning the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton.
Classic competition
First held in 1927, the Oaks is one of UK greyhound racing’s original classic competitions and was inaugurated at White City Stadium – host venue of the 1908 Summer Olympics.
After qualifying through the first round with flying colours, Dapper Daffy will take her place in Round Two this Saturday where a top three finish in her respective heat will confirm a semi-final spot.
Priced as short as 12-1 to win the competition outright, Colin Pocock said qualifying for the final would be a dream come true.
Promise to Bob
“I promised Bob we would win a competition, so here we are,” said Colin.
“Bob was more than just a trainer to us both, he was a great friend – and we remain very close with the family.
“The Honest Bob Syndicate is keeping his name alive and Dapper Daffy could be one of the best we’ve owned.
“This year’s Oaks is a fantastic competition, one of the best.
“To have a genuine chance is wonderful but it’s going to be difficult. We’ve been going greyhound racing for decades so to be on this journey means a lot to both of us.”
Tough assignment
The two-year-old has been handed a tough assignment for her second qualifying race this weekend.
Strike It Skye, who qualified fastest from Saturday’s Round One heats, has been drawn in trap one while joint ante-post favourite Newinn Uganda will run from trap five.
Trainer Ruth Lambe – one of the UK’s youngest female trainers – believes more is still to come from her kennel star.
“We’re still learning about her a lot day to day as she’s a relatively new greyhound to the kennel,” said Ruth.
Room for improvement
“But she’s in great form and there is room for improvement still in my view.
“It’s a tough draw on Saturday with two of the top three in market against us, but you have to expect that at this level.
“We have a good chance of qualifying, and if she comes away from the traps well I think the best is yet to come from her.”
Tickets for Round Two of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks on Saturday, October 10, are available online via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.20pm.
The night also features heats of the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup, one of the UK’s premier sprint competitions.
Star names including Northampton Sprint champion Magical Jason, 2025 Guys and Dolls hero Newinn Souly, Silver Salver winner Ballinakill Liam and defending Scurry Gold Cup champion Shadow Storm are among the 36 entries.
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, Round Two draw
Heat One: Slingshot Poppy, Aero Hope, Raebella Bullet, Ballymac Allory, Aayamza Shazza, Jazzy Dancer.
Heat Two: Knocknadoguestar, Countess Penny, Strideon Clara, Mon Amis, Signet Nayla, Resonate.
Heat Three: Vahbelle, Holding Hollie, Shes A Gooner, Ballydoyle Tina, Beatties Lena, Bombay Special.
Heat Four: Bikini Bullet, Kilwest Diva, Headford Sarah, Headford Fiona, Moanteen Mimi, Alright Tallent.
Heat Five: Strike It Skye, Dapper Daffy, Burberry Girl, Brickhill Patsy, Newinn Uganda, Taylor The Best.
Heat Six: Lady Gambet, Jazzy Belle, Farenheit Jess, Copney Queen, The Other Winx, Aghaburren Luna.
Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup, Round One draw
Heat One: Da Don, Always Wrighty, Duffin Dermy, Gothic Opera, Magical Jason, Headford Eimear.
Heat Two: Headford Babs, Newinn Souly, Nightingale Crew, Good Acclaim, Newinn Bachelor, Elsies Aoife.
Heat Three: Beatties Shine, Roanna Mamba, Crafty Alejandro, Kilshenane Diva, Bogger Bale, Bucking Bucks.
Heat Four: Swift Helena, Bogger Chuck, Lesleys Buddy, Blackburnybullet, Blow Out, Ballinakill Liam.
Heat Five: Blackstone Benny, Shadow Storm, Slingshot Gazza, Raha JayJay, TurnTheMagicOn, SkinnyLittleMiss.
Heat Six: Avarua Lake, Sunnyside Jayden, Miss Milo, Millbank Burner, Not Now Alan, Millbank Got It.
