As the year draws to a close, I extend my warmest wishes to all greyhound trainers and kennel hands for a prosperous New Year, and hope you enjoyed a happy Christmas.
Your dedication and commitment remain the backbone of our sport, and we owe you particular thanks at this time of year.
Looking ahead, 2026 offers a real opportunity for our industry to embrace meaningful, positive change.
By listening more closely to the trainers and owners who know the sport from the inside out, we can shape a future that works for everyone.
Ending 2025 on a high
As we mark our centenary, let us commit to progress that moves the sport forward and gives us all something to look forward to in the years ahead.
To round off the open scene at Newcastle, we have three finals and a host of quality races to relish this Saturday.
They are appropriately named after a selection of Jimmy Wright’s illustrious greyhounds in the kennel during his career.
Deadly Disco and King Memphis from selections came up trumps recently, so let’s see if we can finish on a high.
Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup
Unanimous Leon is incredibly through to his sixth category one final.
He is regularly in the frame, but the big one keeps slipping away. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride springs to mind in his case.
The form of Santas Amigo is the biggest obstacle that they all have to beat. Being drawn the widest of all in trap 6 does give the other finalists a chance to steal a march on the favourite.
Followers of Leon will be hoping he can grasp the opportunity. If Amigo is unable to dominate around the opening bends, it’s game on.
Ballymac Lake is a big danger based on his semi-final victory over Droopys Bookem. The latter may give the rest of the field a start, but will never give up.
Any early bunching will play to the English Derby semi-finalists’ strengths late on.
The Jimmy Wright Future Stars
Strike It Skye is at very prohibitive odds and on all recent form should win this puppy competition.
It would be a mistake to think it is a forgone conclusion though. There is pace on the inside and wider out to contend with, but she is usually quick out of the traps.
As the only bitch amongst her heavier rivals, she will want to avoid being squeezed out on the run to the opening bend.
Bouncing Monarch is also unbeaten in the heats but does have time to make up on the clock to compete with the favourite.
Good luck to connections of the future stars and all come back safe and sound.
bet365 English Puppy Oaks
The final is held at Oxford on Sunday and the ratings have been calculated from the times supplied courtesy of @PhilMilner on X.
Soapy Suds is odds-on but may need luck in running to find racing room on the inside. If Beaming Carly gets first run on the favourite, she will be difficult to catch.
It’s a strong field, but at 8/1 is the each-way value call in a fascinating race.
READ MORE: Heilbron triple-handed in Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup final
