The stage is set for next Saturday’s exciting Perry Barr double-header, following some electrifying semi-final action in the Midlands. Fans were treated to top-tier racing in both the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger (710m) and the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup in Memory of Michael Lambe Senior (480m).
Droopys Clue remains the frontrunner in the St Leger, although Seamus Cahill’s Greyhound of the Year faced a stiff challenge from Robert Holt’s Trickycinderella. In the second semi-final of the Stayers’ Classic, Droopys Clue narrowly clinched victory by a length, crossing the finish line in 42.74 seconds. He took control of the race after the second bend, but couldn’t fully shake off the competition.
However, after successfully holding off Trickycinderella and littermates Haka Carlo and Hopiehopiehopie, Droopys Clue now has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first greyhound to win back-to-back St Leger titles.
Other semi-finalists heading to the final include John Lambe’s local favourite Hurry Up Jordan, who edged out Coonough Crow (Mark Wallis) in 43.12 seconds in the first semi-final. Meanwhile, Diane Henry’s Clona Curly barely held off Tuono Bella (Paul Donovan) in a thrilling third semi-final, winning in 42.92 seconds.
In the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup semi-finals, just six-hundredths of a second separated the three winners. John Mullins’ Aayamza Sydney (28.00 seconds) came from behind to overtake Darley Diglake (Robert Hall) in the third semi-final, with Aghaburren Beau (Brian Thompson) trailing close behind.
Tom Heilbron’s Unanimous Leon (28.06 seconds) led the first semi-final from the first bend, defeating Tricky Wiggles (Robert Holt) by nearly three lengths. In the second semi-final, Rioja Bungle (Kevin Hutton) narrowly edged out Long Fellow (Matt Dartnall) in a heart-stopping finish, completing the race in 28.03 seconds.
Final Trap Draw for Saturday:
Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger:
1. Droopys Clue
2. Coonough Crow
3. Tuono Bella
4. Clona Curly (m)
5. Trickycinderella (m)
6. Hurry Up Jordan (w)
M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup in Memory of Michael Lambe Senior:
1. Rioja Bungle
2. Unanimous Leon
3. Long Fellow
4. Aayamza Sydney
5. Tricky Wiggles (m)
6. Darley Diglake (m)
The finals promise an edge-of-the-seat showdown, with all eyes on Droopys Clue to see if he can make history!