Trainer Kevin Hutton and owner Paul Woodburn celebrated an impressive double victory when Rioja Oisin clinched the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup at Perry Barr. The thrilling final race showcased an intense showdown between the eventual champion, Rioja Oisin, and runner-up Magical Bear, delivering a memorable spectacle for fans at the Midlands track’s last sprinting classic.
Earlier in the season, Hutton, along with the Woodburn family—Paul, Sarah, and Sarah’s sister Jackie Brown—had also secured a win in the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup with Rioja Bungle. Now, with Rioja Oisin, the track record holder, they triumphed again, edging out Bill Russell’s local favourite Magical Bluebeard in an electrifying Category Two event.
The evening featured a double-header, including the Premier Greyhound Oaks Final, and a generous prize of £7,500 for the two-bend race. Rioja Oisin had set a new track record of 15.71 seconds in the semi-finals, and with a field of quality contenders, precision was essential.
Starting strong, Rioja Oisin was initially led by Magical Bluebear but mounted a challenge through the turns. In a closely contested run, Rioja Oisin gained momentum, ultimately securing his fifth UK win in six starts by a length in 15.87 seconds, comfortably ahead of the other runners.
Hutton praised the dog’s remarkable speed and resilience, acknowledging the obstacles faced by the 36-kilo May 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Oisins Choice. He mentioned that although a wrist issue had slowed his progress, Rioja Oisin had shown undeniable class.
“He’s shown great potential, even with limited runs—just one race at Cork and six in the UK so far—offering us various options for the future,” Hutton shared, hinting at a possible run in Nottingham’s National Sprint later this year. “This was a special win, especially with such fierce competition. It’s a moment to celebrate for Paul, Sarah, and Jackie, and as a kennel, we’ve been fortunate at Perry Barr recently.”
Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal also commended the exhilarating final and the high standard of the Scurry Gold Cup event. “It was an intensely competitive Scurry, one of the best we’ve seen, with the top sprinters nationwide in attendance,” he remarked.
Seal applauded Rioja Oisin’s rapid start, crediting Hutton’s patience and skill in handling the powerful yet delicate dog. With potential plans to return to four bends, Rioja Oisin’s success has opened up exciting possibilities moving forward.