A new name will be etched into the history books of Sunderland’s richest greyhound competition this month, with almost a dozen local trainers dreaming of big race success.
The £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Classic begins at Sunderland Stadium on Friday night, with 36 of the UK and Ireland’s most talented canines travelling to the north-east for this week’s six qualifying heats.
Headlining the competition is Oaks runner-up Slingshot Poppy for professional footballer turned greyhound trainer Brian Fairbairn.
Ashington-based Jimmy Fenwick is represented by seven runners, including Greyhound of the Year contender Woltemade who will make his eagerly awaited debut at the Newcastle Road venue.
Big prize
Meanwhile fellow north-east trainers Tom Heilbron, Carl Jackson, Stuart Tighe, Raymond Hale and Savva Roberts – plus Glenn Foot, Neil Brown and David Wilkinson of Pelaw – are among locals hoping to scoop the big prize.
They all share one thing in common, though.
Neither have lifted the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic since the competition was inaugurated in 2007.
Craig Armstrong from the Braveheart Syndicate – owner of Slingshot Poppy – is among those planning on putting a stop to that.
“This is like a home game for us,” said Craig. “There are some outstanding local greyhounds entered in this year’s competition – Woltemade and Good Acclaim being the standouts for me.
In fine form
“But our Slingshot Poppy is in the form of her life.
“She was unfortunate in the Classic last year when exiting at the semi-final stage.
“She’s stronger and more mature than then, and we’re in it to win it that’s for sure. We couldn’t have asked for a better draw for Friday’s heat so fingers crossed.”
Also among those bidding to lift the Classic for the first time is Tom Heilbron.
The Trimdon handler is fifth in the Trainer of the Year standings with seven more Category One competitions still to be decided.
He’s represented by Romeo Astron, Glengar Phantom, Grouchos Chief, Toddys Wolf, Romeo Hanyu and Romeo Dutch.
Good chances
“(Glengar) Phantom and (Grouchos) Chief both have good chances,” said Tom.
“The rest are all quality greyhounds, but they will need that bit of luck throughout.
“Chief has shown plenty of ability in his trials at the track, although he has a horrible draw to overcome with stacks of early pace on his inside and outside.
“We’ve put a wide tag on Glengar Phantom because he has been moving off his line a bit more than we thought he would in his trials. He’ll have a lot of room on the outside so if he can break level through the competition he has every chance.”
Tickets for the 2026 Premier Greyhound Racing Classic heats at Sunderland Stadium on Friday, November 6, are available online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 6pm with the first race of the night off at 6.23pm.
2026 Premier Greyhound Racing Classic
Heat One: Romeo Astron, Droopys Punch, Rolo Genie, Vernon Mist, Snazzy Bolger, Glengar Phantom.
Heat Two: Ballymac Buddy, Arthur Bitter, Millhill May, Pressure Tie, Hollyhill King, Mossend Brute.
Heat Three: Brickhill Tamika, Droopys Orator, Droopys Monk, Good Acclaim, Grouchos Chief, Taylor The Best.
Heat Four: Indian Mist, Ropewalk Ranger, Bockos Buster, Im Here, Unsurprisingly, Foulkscourt Bono.
Heat Five: Arthur Tomato, Glasheen Eagle, Slingshot Poppy, Toddys Wolf, Romeo Hanyu, Brother Patrick.
Heat Six: Coppice Saphire, Essjay Mercury, Hasselbomb, Woltemade, Romeo Dutch, Ballymac Shontae.
