Dalton Smith is excited to be taking on Kevin Hutton in the BGBF Oaks Final on Saturday

5 V 1 in the BGBF British Bred Oaks Final

It’s only about two years since Dalton Smith had his first winner as a trainer. On Saturday night, Smith will head to Oxford to take on the might of the Kevin Hutton kennel in the final of the BGBF British Bred Oaks with Ivys Showgirl.

She made the final of this competition last year when she was trained by Hutton, missing out on her chance at Category Two glory when having to be withdrawn in season. She now returns to the same contest but in a very different role. 

Hutton has five of the six finalists (had all six last year) with the one potential thorn in his side, a bitch that started her career with him, and one that only moved to Smith’s kennels recently. She made her debut for Smith on July 14 at Nottingham before the two starts in this competition. This is start number four for Smith and both of their opportunities for a big success.

Smith told us "Ivys showgirl is a great lady to have in the kennels, we have only recently had her from Kevin, and she’s settled in fantastically, and we couldn’t be happier with her. 

"I’m really good friends with the owners Martin Hancock and Joanne Little. They have been absolutely brilliant owners to have in the kennel and have supported us massively. I would like to thank them for giving us the opportunity to give Ivys showgirl another chance at the British Bred Oaks. She did get to the final last year and sadly came into season. I know how gutted Martin was, and it’s fantastic that we have managed to bring her to the final once again this year. "

Although Smith has only had the licence in his own name for a short time, he has been involved in greyhound racing a lot longer. "I’ve had greyhounds since I was very young! We used to have a few dogs at home and we raced at our local track, The Valley. I then got in contact with Sean McDonald who I worked alongside for around 10 years, building up to be his assistant trainer, and then taking the licence over in 2023. Sean has always been great to me and we have a great friendship."

Smith is quick to praise those who are helping his kennel progress. "A special mention to one of the lads I have working alongside me here is Ryan Carver. He’s fantastic to have working in the kennels with us and has been a massive help." From three open race winners in 2023 to eight last year, the kennel already has six on the board in 2025 and look well set to continue improving on their annual tally. 

The weekend can't come soon enough for Smith.  "I’m really looking forward to Saturday's final...to win the British Bred Oaks would feel fantastic and we're really excited to be taking part. Kevin and the team has done a fantastic job again to get five finalists, and I wish him and the team all the best in the final. Good luck to everyone involved. It should be a great night."