Nottingham Greyhound Stadium’s 29-year wait for a locally trained winner of the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse could end on Monday, with all eyes on Hopes Ompaloompa.
The Colwick Park venue hosts its feature race night of the year where Esther Driver’s star hound is hoping to spring a surprise by landing the Eclipse’s £20,000 first prize.
Overseal based Esther was only accredited with her training license this year after her partner – Paul Sallis – was admitted to hospital for life-saving surgery on his heart.
She qualified for the semi-finals of the English Greyhound Derby with Nobetterfeelin in June, and now hopes to go one better than the couple’s last Eclipse final appearance in 2010 when they finished second.
Standing on top of the podium will be no easy task, though, with duel Category One champion Proper Heiress, Gymcrack hero Elusivenomore, Birmingham Cup runner-up Kilmore Dancer, Puppy Classic finalist Droopys Poker and Pain Barrier all qualifying too.
Reaching the first bend in front will be key to Hopes Ompaloompa’s chances of scoring on the night, according to Esther.
“It’s a really strong final which we’re proud to be part of,” said Esther.
“In a perfect world, we would’ve been drawn closer to the rail but trap three isn’t a disaster. He proved on Monday he can win from a wider draw so we’re hoping for more of the same in a hot race.
“Elusivenomore is ideally drawn and looking at the card we’ll need him and Kilmore Dancer (trap two) to miss the break and for us to reach the first bend in front to stand a chance.
“He’s a different greyhound when he’s out in front, I’d say it takes a few lengths off his time.
“He can come from behind, but in a final of this quality at a big, demanding, track like Nottingham it would be very difficult.
“To reach the final is a success in our eyes, although of course we’d love to win it at our local track 15 years after going so close.”
Admission for Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse finals night is free to all racegoers. Those who book online in advance will receive a free welcome drink on arrival too.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
2025 Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse Final: Elusivenomore, Kilmore Dancer, HopesOmpaloompa, Pain Barrier, Proper Heiress, Droopys Poker.
