Irish challenger Ballydoyle Tina timed her run to perfection to scoop the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night.
Graham Holland’s star two-year-old became only the third Irish winner of the UK’s premier competition for bitches this century when beating long time race leader Slingshot Poppy by a neck in dramatic circumstances.
The County Tipperary challenger only passed Brian Fairbairn’s Scottish champion Slingshot Poppy in the final stride after the brindled bitch led from the start.
Kevin Hutton’s Signet Nayla was third, while Strike It Skye, Fahrenheit Jess and Holding Hollie were fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Co-owner Paul Ellis braved the conditions to make the journey from Ireland to be trackside and initially didn’t believe he had won.
Galloping greyhound
“We thought we’d finished second from where we were standing,” said Paul.
“When it was announced we had won, we couldn’t believe it. We thought Dunstall Park might be a bit tight for her because she is a big galloping greyhound.
“She didn’t come away from the traps in her round one and two races, but we were confident if she could break well in the final and turn close enough to the leader we’d have a chance.
“Her timing was perfect, we were lucky.
“It was a fantastic night, Dunstall Park put on a great show and to win topped it off.”
Unbeaten
Meanwhile Avarua Lake won Richard Rees back-to-back Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup titles after he backed up his heat and semi-final wins to end the competition unbeaten.
Shadow Storm – owned by Dorking Wanderers founder and owner Marc White – finished second exactly a year after he won the competition. Newinn Souly, Magical Jason, Ballinakill Liam and Roanna Mamba were third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Charlie said: “(Avarua) Lake has really stepped up in recent weeks, but it could’ve gone either way between our two.
“It’s hard to see how they trap when you’re stood near the boxes. But I had an eye on Magical Jason because he is a great greyhound and a huge danger.
“Once they both went round the first and second bends in front I was very happy.
“All week we’ve played the race in our heads. My granddad and my great granddad have won the Scurry Gold Cup, so for my dad to win it twice means a lot.”
Greyhound racing continues at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium on Saturday nights through 2026, with the track launching its weekend Christmas parties on Saturday, November 28.
Tickets and restaurant reservations are available online via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk.
