Romeo Steel’s trap one draw in Saturday’s Arena Racing Company Laurels final at Dunstall Park will count for “five lengths” when traps rise, according to trainer Patrick Janssens.
The two-times Category One champion will bid to add a third major title to his trophy cabinet at the UK’s newest greyhound racing track which hosts its second major final this weekend since opening to the public in September.
A bumper crowd is anticipated trackside, with a DJ helping racegoers to dance the night away once racing concludes.
But Patrick will be hoping for scenes of jubilation beforehand as his kennel bids for a second Category One title of the year after Romeo Tomcat won the BGBF British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham only last month.
Starting next to Romeo Steel is English Greyhound Derby semifinalist No Better Feelin, Winter Derby runner-up Droopys Aladdin plus Ballymac Blanco, Droopys Trade and Toddys Wolf.
“He (Romeo Steel) is in great health – it’s probably the prime of his career,” said Patrick.
“We just need to hope he comes away well and gets to the bend in front, because that’s his strength.
“Being drawn in trap one is a huge advantage for him. I’d say the difference between him starting from trap one and another box is five lengths.
“But we are up against some very good greyhounds as you will always be at this level. We’re definitely not a certainty, but the draw has worked to our advantage and we wish everyone the best.”
The Laurels is a competition which holds fond memories for Patrick, who has won the competition previously with Hawkfield Ozark in 2023.
Champion bitch Druids Say Go finished second last year, before being retired to live with Bournville couple Mike and Rachel Gould.
She is now a regular at Dunstall Park by engaging racegoers at both horse and greyhound racing events about how retired greyhounds make great pets when their racing careers come to an end.
“We would’ve loved to have had a litter of pups from Sally (Druids Say Go),” said Patrick.
“But, it was the owners wishes not to do that and we are so pleased to see her thriving in retirement.
“She’s landed on her feet with Mike (Gould, owner) and his family.
“She is a wonderful greyhound who gave us many happy memories, including in last year’s Laurels when she was just pipped to the post.”
Tickets for Saturday’s £12,500 Arena Racing Company Laurels final can be purchased online from £8 via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first race of the night off at 6.20pm.
The evening also includes the inaugural final of the ARC Dunstall Dash over 270m.
2026 Arena Racing Company Laurels final: Romeo Steel, No Better Feelin, Droopys Aladdin, Ballymac Blanco, Droopys Trade, Toddys Wolf.
2026 Arena Racing Company Dunstall Dash final: Droopys Will, Newinn Souly, Swift Hostile, Brickhill Tamika, Good Acclaim.
