County Durham handler Ray triple-handed for BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby final
A field full of locally-trained greyhounds will contest the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby at Newcastle
Locals well represented in Newcastle final
A clean sweep of local runners will contest the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday night, with a winning prize pot of £7,500 on offer.
Lanarkshire-based John Flaherty qualified Greenwell Bolt and Sirdar, while Cumbria’s Joe Edgar runs Fabulous Harmony in her first major final just months after her first race at the Byker venue in A5 company.
County Durham handler Stuart Ray is triple-handed with Blackhouse Zoom, Blackhousewalton and Hurry Up Ivy running from traps one, three and six respectively.
After entering five greyhounds into the competition, Stuart was quietly confident at least two of his star youngsters would qualify for the final, but to be responsible for half of the six runners is not something he predicted.
And he has a fair chance of scooping the top prize after Blackhouse Zoom – a son of Derby Plate finalist Blackhouse Harry - set the standard in last week’s semi-finals by clocking a career-best 28.51 over the 480m trip.
“(Blackhouse) Zoom is coming on leaps and bounds,” said Stuart.
“His time last week was exceptional, and he’s a homebred so it means that bit more to the team.
“Blackhousewalton is a quirky greyhound, but has been running okay. And Hurry Up Ivy has run tremendously to get to the final, so we’re really pleased for her.
“It’s an open final as you’d expect and we’re pleased to be in with a chance of lifting the trophy.”
Thursday’s winning greyhound will follow in the pawprints of some well-known names that have previously won the competition.
Rioja Bungle won last year’s final before going on to land the £12,500 M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup at Perry Barr in September.
Good support card on the menu
There are seven supporting open races on the card, including the Arena Racing Company Standard final featuring last year’s Northern Flat semi-finalist Moanteen Webby.
Two puppy races start the top-grade action, with a pair of bitches races, a maiden stayers contest and standard trip open race too.
The BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby final is off at 9.11pm. Tickets can be purchased from £9 by clicking here.
2025 BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby Final: Blackhouse Zoom, Greenwell Bolt, Blackhousewalton, Fabulous Harmony, Sirdar, Hurry Up Ivy.
