Two Scottish retired footballers are hoping to achieve a first this month by winning UK greyhound racing’s premier bitches competition with a dog based north of the border.
Slingshot Poppy burst onto the greyhound racing scene exactly 12 months ago after completing a move from Ireland to be based with Livingstone trainer Brian Fairbairn.
After making more than 200 professional appearances for clubs including Raith Rovers and Hibernians, the 43-year-old swapped boots for paws by teaming up with fellow football enthusiast Craig Armstrong.
Together, they’ve become renowned for their ‘Slingshot’ prefix.
And Poppy has proven herself to be the star of the kennel by amassing more than £16,000 in winning prize money for owners the Braveheart Syndicate.
She’s now primed for the biggest challenge of her career to date by lining up in the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton, which starts on Saturday night.
The competition was first held in 1927 at White City Stadium, host venue of the 1908 Olympic Games. Despite this, it has never been won by a Scottish based greyhound – something Brian and Craig are determined to change.
“It’s the biggest competition for bitches in the UK, and we’re really pleased to have a genuine chance of winning,” said Craig.
“I’ve never seen (Slingshot) Poppy priced 10-1 to win a competition before.
“That just shows how strong this year’s Oaks is.
“Travelling is part of the sport at this level, but I don’t believe it affects her. She’s won at Romford, Towcester and Monmore – Dunstall is our next target and she’s raring to go.”
Among the star names to enter this year’s Oaks are Graham Holland’s Irish pair Ballydoyle Tina and Newinn Uganda who head the market.
Belinda Green’s Bikini Bullet is England’s leading fancy and has been drawn in the same qualifying heat as Slingshot Poppy.
Meanwhile Dark Dreamer, Seomra Harriet and Dapper Daffy are the three local hopes for trainers Shirley Aveline, Christopher Gilbert and Ruth Lambe respectively.
With the competition reaching its 72-dog capacity, Craig is expecting a tough challenge.
Craig added: “We’ve been drawn in a really hot heat.
“Although we’re running out of trap two which is an advantage, she is a big fan of the longer straights so in that respect Dunstall Park might not suit her running style perfectly.
“But that talent is absolutely there. She clocked a time quicker than Woltemade on the same night at Newcastle in July, and he’s proven what he can do at Dunstall Park, so we hope to follow in his pawprints.”
Tickets for Round One of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Dunstall Park on Saturday, October 3, are available online via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first race off at 6.20pm.
Round Two and the Semifinals are scheduled for October 10 and October 17 respectively, with the £20,000 final taking place on Saturday, October 24.
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, draw:
Heat One: Dark Dreamer, Jazzy Belle, Aero Hope, Knocknadoguestar, Longacres Trixie, Aero Replace.
Heat Two: Rushmoor Hazel, Slingshot Poppy, Bikini Bullet, Singalong Cherry, Signet Nayla, Farneys Tilly.
Heat Three: Vahbelle, The Other Myra, Countess Penny, Bellmore Queen, Longacres Miss, Alright Tallent.
Heat Four: Strike It Skye, Fahrenheit Jess, Aero Clipper, Aero Dash, Yahoo Maizy, Jazzy Dancer.
Heat Five: Wakawaka Eh Eh, Headford Sarah, Shes A Gooner, Beatties Lena, Aero Noduff, Seomra Harriet.
Heat Six: Coppice Dakota, Burberry Girl, Strideon Clara, Beatties Bliss, The Other Winx, Kilwest Beauty.
Heat Seven: Dapper Daffy, Skeard Daisy May, Holding Hollie, Rebel California, Headford Lily, Bombay Special.
Heat Eight: Coppice Saphire, Ballyboss Hack, Lady Gambet, Poppea Tinner, Copney Queen, Aghaburren Luna.
Heat Nine: Always Wrighty, Ballydoyle Tina, Venetian Jojo, Brickhill Patsy, Ballyhoe Natalee, Resonate.
Heat 10: Kilwest Diva, Cashin Nell, Ballymac Dixie, Aero Sophie, Headford Fiona, Moanteen Mimi.
Heat 11: Raebelle Bullet, Bonnie Sues Luck, Aero Molly, Aayamza Shazza, Saqqara, Taylor The Best.
Heat 12: Mon Amis, Sheezatwister, Ballymac Allory, Alright Precious, Newinn Uganda, Fabulous Harmony.
