After five weeks of tough heats, quarter and semi finals we will see the final six greyhounds battle it out for the £175,000 prize-pot in the Star Sports English Greyhound Derby 2024, hosted at Towcester. What a fantastic competition it’s been with some thrilling races on show.
Getting to any final is a wonderful experience for an owner and trainer, a real sense of pride and excitement. However, to make a Derby final is what dreams are made of. I can only imagine the buzz and anticipation in the week leading up to the main event.
One trainer, who has been successful in making two previous Derby finals, is Hove trainer Richard Rees. This Saturday, he will be sending out his third representative in this prestigious race with Churchfield Syd lining up in Trap 5. Richard’s previous derby finalists came in the form of Southwood Jet (Nottingham 2020) and last years derby finalist Cochise.
The Rees family’s involvement in Derby finals stems back a long way, with Richards grandfather Phil Rees (snr) having won the competition in 1976 with Mutts Silver and Richard’s father (also Phil Rees) having won the final in 1985 with Pagan Swallow.
This year it will be all about Churchfield Syd for the kennel and owner Mr B Evans. A greyhound that is no stranger to success and already boasts a successful CV, the June 21 whelp by Droopys Sydney x Millbank Jade has been impressive in this years event winning his third round, quarter final and last week winning impressively in his semi-final clocking a decent 28.98.
It was a pleasure to catch up with son and assistant to Richard Rees, Charlie, who told me what it would mean to the kennel to win the Derby on Saturday.
“In terms of the derby – of course winning it would mean the world to all of us here, but we are massively grateful to have a dog who is good enough to get us there. Being in a Derby final is what everyone dreams of so to make three in the past five years really is special to us and we are just loving the journey, even if it is extremely stressful!
“The draw looks good enough with the favourite (rightly so) in Trap 3. King Memphis looks to have a fantastic draw to work with. We know our game is off the front regardless.
“Syd’s biggest fans are his owners. Daryl, Steve & Billy, think the world of him and are extremely delighted to be there in the final on Saturday.
“Mum (Jackie Rees) absolutely loves the dog – on and off the track – and has handled him through the competition. The joy he gives her is great to see, so please God he makes both her and my dad very proud on Saturday.
“At home, he’s the most easy-going laid-back dog you’d meet. He is extremely friendly and a true loyal dog with a heart of gold. He loves his work and routine and is truly a joy to train.”
The kennel will also be represented on the night in the supporting card with Kilara Roberto in the Townview Kennels Derby Plate final (Owners Legacy Racing Syndicate) Uncle Freddie in the Greyhound Traders Final (Owners Kangaroo Petrol) and Cochise in the Star Sports Bet veteran race (Owner Mr B Evans).
The lids go up for the Star Sports English Greyhound Derby 2024 Final on Saturday 29th June at 21.15pm. Wishing each and everyone the very best of luck.
Jade Browne
