A greyhound from Ashington could be crowned the UK’s best and become the latest sporting celebrity to emerge from the town following a bumper year.
Woltemade is widely tipped as a front runner to be crowned Greyhound of the Year at next year’s GBGB awards, a black-tie ceremony which celebrates the achievements of greyhounds and those employed in the industry.
The two-year-old white and brindled dog has won four Category One finals and a Category Two competition already this year, more than any other greyhound has achieved, to amass over £50,000 in winning prize money.
He’s also one of 18 greyhounds remaining in this year’s £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Classic at Sunderland Stadium which climaxes on November 20. And he’s being targeted at next month’s PGR All England Cup.
Winning the latter would make Woltemade the only greyhound to win all three major events at the Byker track in the same year in its 98-year history.
His trainer – Newcastle United superfan Jimmy Fenwick – now hopes his kennel star can join an illustrious list of sporting celebrities to hold a connection to his hometown.
Phenomenal year
“It’s been a phenomenal year,” said Jimmy.
“We always knew he was talented from when he arrived. But to win four Category One titles in an eight-month period and still have a live chance of winning more this year is remarkable.
“Our town is known for raising footballers Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton and cricketer Steve Harmison.
“Woltemade is the canine equivalent and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Named after the Magpies’ German centre-forward, Woltemade is the latest superstar to emerge from Fenwick’s Ashington kennels.
The 53-year-old has been a professional trainer since 1992 and now runs one of the UK’s largest training operations with full-time support from wife Mel, daughters Hannah and Lauren plus son Callum.
Together, they’ve won the Greyhound of the Year crown twice already with Ice On Fire (2019) and Wicky Ned (2024).
In the hunt for a hat-trick
Jimmy added: “Woltemade could complete the hat-trick.
“I’ve been a season ticket holder at St James’ Park for 26 years and when I first met Woltemade – who was named differently at the time – I knew we had to get a name change.
“Obviously he’s moved out on loan to Juventus now and we’ve lost a couple of other key players such as Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier.
“It’s tough losing such a strong mix of players, and it’s the same in greyhound racing.
“When a star greyhound retires and finds its forever home, as a trainer you need to fill the gap.
“It isn’t easy. We’re continuously driving to and from Ireland to find the next superstar and we’ve been lucky with Ice On Fire and Wicky Ned in recent years. It’s the side of our sport racegoers wouldn’t see and it’s seven days a week.”
Similar career path
Jimmy has already crossed the Irish sea this month and hopes his latest trip will unearth the UK’s next champion racer.
“Ballymac Kopek really excites me,” said Jimmy.
“If all goes to plan, I suspect he’ll follow a similar career path to Woltemade by running in the Northern Puppy Derby and then the Puppy Cup at Monmore.
“We invest a lot of time studying stud dogs and bitches and if we think there’s a young greyhound with potential which suits our circumstances we’ll make an offer.
“It is a gamble, and you do find yourself rolling the dice on occasions, but that’s the game we’re in and the buzz you get from finding the right one is unmatched.”
Woltemade’s career resumes at Sunderland Stadium on Friday night in the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic semi-finals. The first two greyhounds to finish will advance to the following week’s final.
