Droopys Sort bids to break a decade long local hoodoo

Local hopes in the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic final

There has not been a winner of the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic attached to the track since No But landed the 2015 renewal. Prior to that it was Pinpoint Maxi in 2013.

Carl Jackson will have the local hopes to carry on his shoulders for the £20,000 to the winner 2025 renewal on Friday night as Droopys Sort will sport the white jacket in the final.

The son of Droopys Sydney took on some household names in a short career in Ireland prior to arriving with Jackson. Runs that stopped the clock at Cork in 28.07 and 28.27 show the ability that's there, with just 11 career starts to this point. 

His semi-final saw him as qualify in second behind the quickest semi-final winner in Santas Amigo.  

“He (Droopys Sort) ran a blinder to qualify,” said Jackson. 

“Running up to the first bend he was outpaced a touch after trapping well, but from the second bend he’s motored home and we’re over the moon to be in the final. 

“He checked up slightly on the third bend too and had to round Salacres Senan to get into second so time has been left out there on the track. 

“For a small kennel like us to reach our local Category One final is massive. We’ve won one before and from my point of view as a trainer nothing changes, we keep the routine for the greyhound exactly the same. “He’s only raced twice for us so it’s an excellent start and it could get better yet!”

The card will also feature the final of the £5,000 Arena Racing Company Shootout Stakes, an Australian style competition where only the winner of the six heats made it through to the final. 

Tickets are available online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 6.15pm, with the first race off at 7.08pm.