A grandstand finish to the year is in the offing as a stellar cast prepares to hit the traps for Saturday's Coral Olympic Final at Hove. Litter brothers King Combs and King Memphis contributed to another triumphant weekend for Liz and Rab McNair by securing victories in their respective semi-finals of the Coral Olympic, earning coveted spots in the £10,000-to-the-winner showdown at the Sussex venue.
Sandwiched between Havana Lover's wins in the Bet365 Challenge Cup semi-finals at Oxford and Queen Dusty's success in Sunday's Bet365 Puppy Oaks decider at Towcester, King Combs and King Memphis delivered contrasting wins. King Combs thrilled the crowd with a last-to-first success in the first semi-final. Despite a slow start and losing ground due to crowding at the first bend, the December 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Queen Beyonce powered through the field to overtake rivals off the last bend, securing a remarkable win in 30.21sec (-30) over Wasted Monday (Belinda Green).
King Memphis emulated his littermate's success, albeit with a more favourable early position. The Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse champion Newinn Syd (Mark Wallis) led initially, but King Memphis quickly challenged and took the lead down the back straight, eventually winning in 30.15sec (-30) over Newinn Syd.
Despite Newinn Syd's defeat in the fastest of the semi-finals, trainer Mark Wallis expressed delight at the dog's performance and anticipates further progress. He believes Newinn Syd has the potential to establish himself as a key contender for the Derby at Towcester next year.
Hollow Man, Derek Knight's local star, extended his winning streak to 13 with a dominant display of powerful front-running in the third semi-final. Leading the charge early on, Hollow Man secured victory in 30.19sec (-30) over Seamus Cahill's home-bred youngster Never Say No.
The impressive lineup promises a thrilling Olympic Final, and Mark Wallis commended Hove for hosting a top-class meeting with the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final, making it a fitting end-of-year competition.