Can lightning strike twice for Kevin Boon at Sunderland?

Bockos Buster a boon for his trainer

Kevin Boon is hoping lightning strikes twice when his Bockos Buster lines up in Friday’s final of the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic at Sunderland - albeit some 11 years after his last major success there.

“I took Farley Rio up there for what was the-then William Hill Grand Prix live on Sky - and he beat a good field with the likes of Bubbly Gold, Viking Jack and Adageo Bob behind. That was 2014.

“I’d not been back there since for no other reason that you need good dogs to travel and Graham (Box) and Bev (Lochead) have given me one to go to work with - and he’s doing me, and them, proud, and I thank them both for that.

“Buster reached the (Arc) Scurry Gold Cup final at Dunstall Park and wasn’t beaten that far from a tough draw and is still a young dog - he’s an August - so there’s more to come. He’s still lightly raced and ran a cracker in the Classic semis on Friday.”

Making all his semi over 450m at the Wearside venue, the Liam Dowling-bred Bockos Buster - an August 23 son of Ballymac Best and Ballymac Ariel - lines up from trap two in Friday’s £20,000 final.

And with major winners of the calibre of Star Cash Simon, Shaneboy Freddie and Murrys Act, Boon is hoping for a 12th major success as greyhound racing - “and good dogs!” - continue to provide a tonic after health issues.

“I’ve had nine Cat Ones and two Juveniles - so this would be number 12. But it’s an ‘if’, of course, it’s a good final.

“Everyone knows it’s been tough - I probably rattle sometime with the pills I need to take! - but I’ve got it under control and there’s no question the greyhounds help, especially when you have a good one to compete in major competitions.

“That gives you the buzz and Bockos Buster is doing that just now - let’s hope it continues.”