Mark Wallis is eyeing a third Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket title with Ballymac Taylor leading the charge after posting the fastest time in Saturday's semi-finals at Crayford.
Having previously clinched victories with Hometown Honey in 2014 and Patchys Kerry in 2016, Wallis, the champion trainer, now has two contenders, aiming for a hat-trick in the prestigious competition. Ballymac Taylor, recently a runner-up in the Arc Cesarewitch, dominated the third semi-final, crossing the finish line ahead of Ricky Holloway's Dazl Rolex. The winning time of 44.80 seconds set a standard for the 714m trip and marked the end of Bellmore Sally's quest for a historic third Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket.
Joining Ballymac Taylor in the £20,000 final on Saturday is kennelmate Coonough Crow, who won the first semi-final in 45.03 seconds, defeating Liz McNair’s Havana Lover. Both Ballymac Taylor and Havana Lover remain unbeaten in the event, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the final, which will be part of a gala card over the weekend.
In the second semi-final, Liz McNair's Havana Top Note secured victory, leading from start to finish and holding off Paul Donovan’s Tuona Bella. Both McNair and Wallis will have two contenders in the Category One final.
The upcoming £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket at Crayford promises an exciting showdown, complemented by additional finals, including the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy Final. The semi-finals of this event were won by Jim Reynolds’ Ritzy Empress (33.26 seconds) and Mark Wallis’s Minnie Bullet (33.42 seconds).
Trap draw for Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket Final - Crayford, 714m: 1 Coonough Crow, 2 Ballymac Taylor, 3 Tuono Bella, 4 Havana Top Note, 5 Dazl Rolex (w), 6 Havana Lover (w).