Premier Greyhound Racing Classic Heats: Semifinal Line-Up

Links Maverick returned to the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic in full force, delivering the fastest time of the night in the opening round of Sunderland's 450m Category One event. A year after an early exit, Tom Heilbron’s star greyhound set a fierce pace in heat two, aiming to add another big win to a list that includes the Monmore Gold Cup, Oxford Pall Mall, and Newcastle Northern Puppy Derby titles.

A sharp start put Links Maverick in control, and he surged ahead, securing a three-length win in 26.65 seconds, leaving Oscar The Grouch and stablemate Unanimous Leon trailing. Heilbron's success didn’t end there—Untold Ruble, the Angel of the North champion, later stormed to a two-length victory over Headford Sonny, clocking 27.16 seconds and completing a winning double for the team. Heilbron now has five runners progressing to the semi-finals.

In heat one, Stonepark Hoffa shone in his UK debut under Savva Roberts, leading early and racing to an impressive five-and-a-quarter length win in 26.74 seconds. Romford Puppy Cup winner Fire And Ice trailed him, while Romford star Brindle Bully, from David Mullins’ kennel, stole the show in heat six, overtaking Bramble Linton in 26.75 seconds. 

Angela Harrison’s Coolavanny Mercy took an early lead in heat three and comfortably held it, finishing five-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Aero Sacundai in 26.84 seconds. Heat five, however, provided the night’s closest finish, with Perry Barr’s Swift Underwater narrowly edging out Lion Heart by half a length in 27.19 seconds after a fierce contest with Madabout Peck and Newcastle’s Lion Heart.

Joanne Wilson, Sunderland’s stadium manager, expressed her excitement about this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Classic, saying the opening round was phenomenal and building anticipation for Friday’s semifinals. She remarked that it was fantastic to have Links Maverick back at Sunderland, recalling his debut win there in November 2022, when Heilbron had predicted his future success. Wilson also highlighted the impressive quality of entries this year and expressed gratitude to trainers and owners for their involvement. The venue has even organised a ticket giveaway for the final night, hoping for a large turnout on November 15.

Trap Draw for the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic Semi-Finals:

- First Semi: 1 Oscar The Grouch, 2 Swift Underwater, 3 Fire And Ice, 4 Headford Sonny, 5 Tromora Supreme, 6 Madabout Peck (m).

- Second Semi: 1 Unanimous Leon, 2 Links Maverick, 3 Stonepark Hoffa, 4 Wraysbury Katie, 5 Lion Heart, 6 Coolavanny Mercy (m).

- Third Semi: 1 Untold Euro, 2 Untold Ruble, 3 Bramble Linton, 4 Aero Sacundai, 5 Droopys Prefect (m), 6 Brindle Bully (w).

The semifinals promise thrilling races as each greyhound vies for a spot in the final showdown.