Queen Georgia made a bold statement at the bet365 Challenge Cup heats in Oxford, aiming to follow in the footsteps of her kennelmate and last year’s champion, Havana Top Note. The star greyhound not only delivered an outstanding performance but also shattered the track record for the 650m distance, fuelling hopes that she could replicate Havana Top Note’s £10,000 triumph.
Trained by Liz McNair, Queen Georgia surged out of the traps with a blistering 14.91-second sectional, the fastest of the night. Leading from start to finish, she clocked an impressive 37.19 seconds (-20), breaking Havana Top Note’s previous record despite the night’s slower conditions. She finished two and a quarter lengths ahead of Cooladerry Dust, securing her spot as the one to beat.
The second-fastest run of the evening came from New Destiny, trained by Mark Wallis. The Coral Coronation Cup and Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes winner dominated heat four, winning by three and three-quarter lengths over Swift Giddy in 39.33 seconds (-20).
Kevin Hutton’s Oaks finalist, Coppice Ella, claimed victory in the opening heat. She surged ahead after the second bend to win by two lengths against returning finalist Lively Lauren in 39.79 seconds (-30). Meanwhile, Carols Hero, trained by Matt Dartnall, impressed in heat two with a commanding four and a quarter length win over Fabulous Dyna, clocking 39.96 seconds (-20).
Other notable performances included Robin Jury’s Gagas Merry, who narrowly edged out Riverside Shari by a head in 39.64 seconds (-20), and Michelle Brown’s Golden Palace, who stormed to victory in heat six by six and a quarter lengths, finishing in 39.58 seconds (-20).
Reflecting on the thrilling evening, Oxford’s director of racing, James Chalkley, praised the exceptional entries and the electrifying performances. He highlighted Queen Georgia’s record-breaking run as a standout moment and noted the McNairs' history of success during the festive season.
“If memory serves me, they had Queen Dusty winning the (Bet365) Puppy Oaks at Towcester and King Memphis the (Coral) Olympic in the same week, so they tend to get into the Christmas spirit with lots of winners!”
“Looking at the semis, there are some great clashes and places in the final will not be easy, plus a good card will also include the final of the BetGoodwin Series Maiden Cup Final – and that looks a cracker, too.”