The UK’s richest greyhound racing competition open exclusively to bitches begins in Wolverhampton on Friday night where two local runners are hoping to cause an upset.
First held in 1927, the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks carries a winning prize fund of £20,000 and has adopted a new home this year as part of a multi-million pound investment by Arena Racing Company to introduce greyhound racing to Dunstall Park.
Sixty-five greyhounds have been entered into this year’s Oaks which will climax on Friday, October 24, with a sparkling finals night where admission has been slashed to £5 with live music from Supersonic Queen planned after racing.
Among this year’s entries are Irish sensation Droopys Kathleen, Puppy Oaks champion Yahoo Maizy and 2024 Empress Stakes hero Avongate Venus.
Local trainers Simon Deakin and Michael Field hold entries too, and are represented by Now And Then and Epic Evelyn respectively.
Simon only recently purchased his February ’23 hope from north-east trainer Tom Heilbron. And although the Alvechurch handler believes his kennel star will be better suited to a longer trip, the lure of being involved in this year’s Oaks proved too good to resist.
“She’s had a couple of trials at Dunstall Park and has clocked some decent times, so we thought why not,” said Simon.
“Realistically, she’s more of a staying type from her performances at Newcastle but she’s taken to Dunstall really well.
“It’s a hot competition this year with the star of the show being Droopys Kathleen who we’re drawn next to. If we can keep on her tail and qualify, then happy days!”
Simon was among the trainers on the podium at Dunstall Park’s first meeting on September 8 when Blazeaway Rocket won an A6 contest.
The handler was full of praise for greyhound racing’s newest facility when asked for his thoughts.
Simon added: “No one can fault Arena Racing Company’s commitment to greyhound racing.
“It would’ve been so easy for the business to close Perry Barr, and instruct us trainers to move to one of their other venues.
“But they’ve put their money where their mouth is and invested in a world-class facility. The kennel block, paddock area and track is first class and has operated like a well-oiled machine from day one which is great for the sport.”
Details of the draw for this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks are available online via Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium’s social media channels. Tickets and trackside packages – including restaurant reservations – are available online via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk.
A £5,000 bonus will be applied to the winning prize pot too if either Beatties Razl, Droopys Glam or Kelvins Hat win this year’s Oaks thanks to a bonus offered by Premier Greyhound Racing to greyhounds that win a pre-competition trial stakes.
