A first Category One final appearance is in sight for a builder turned greyhound trainer whose kennel star only joined his racing strength a month ago.
Neil Chapman swapped hard hats and bricks for leads and paws when realising a lifetime ambition by becoming a licensed trainer at his local track Nottingham.
He’s since qualified Brinkleys Louis to the semi finals of the Arena Racing Company Birmingham Cup – a competition worth £12,500 to the winner with the final scheduled for a week on Monday, September 22.
The two-year-old black dog finished third behind Droopys Suprstar and former kennel mate Unanimous Leon to book his spot in Monday’s semi finals where the first three to finish the 480-metre race will progress to the final.
Qualifying would break new ground for Neil – a lifetime greyhound racing enthusiast – who is yet to reach a major final as a trainer. Despite getting his favourite trap six in the draw, Neil admits his star hound will need to be on his a-game to reach the following week’s final.
“We’re really happy to qualify,” said Neil. “He’s a wide runner, so will always get his draw but it’s possible Droopys Artilery (in trap five) could hold us up at the first bend.
“They both clocked the same sectional in the heats, so I suspect we’ll need to clear him to stand a chance of qualifying.
“He’s only been in the kennel for a month from Tom Heilbron. The plan was to run him as a top end grader as a wide seed, anything else would’ve been viewed as a bonus.
“But now we’re on the brink of a Category One final which is really exciting. We’ve never reached a final at this level before, and we only have a team of 12 greyhounds so this would mean the world.
“It’s a hobby for me, more than anything. I’ve not long retired and have been an enthusiast of greyhound racing all my life so if we qualify it’ll be a huge step forwards.”
Nottingham will also host the semi finals of the Arena Racing Company St Leger on Monday evening.
Originally held at Wembley Stadium, and then Wimbledon, the St Leger is UK greyhound racing’s most prestigious competition for stayers and this year features duel Cesarewitch champion Garfiney Blaze, Regency and Golden Jacket champ Mongys Wild and Summer Stayers hero Vhagar.
Tickets for Monday’s semi finals are priced £8 and can be purchased online via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Birmingham Cup semi final draw:
Semi Final One: Cunnigar Yousir, Droopys Suprstar, Unanimous Leon, Chelms Bear, Zebedee Cluasa, Toddys Tank.
Semi Final Two: Kilmore Dancer, Singalong Rex, Cul Na Braithre, Droopys Aladdin, Droopys Artilery, Brinkleys Louis.
Arena Racing Company St Leger semi final draw:
Semi Final One: Coffee Time Guys, Fabulous Heka, Droopys Flare, Mongys Wild, Droopys Flotilla, SavanaRegimental.
Semi Final Two: Daring Moaner, Trickys Buttons, Beatties Electra, Garfiney Blaze, Vhagar, Deadly Disco.
