Emotional first Category One winner for Kelly Wilton

Photo courtesy of Rob Crawford

Col makes spectacular six-bend debut 

Greyhound racing has been a wonderful sport down the years for emotional winners but there are few that have had the same tear-jerker element as Fortanach Col taking the final of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Three Steps To Victory final at Sheffield for trainer Kelly Wilton. 

Colin Wilton passed late in 2025, Kelly taking over the licence with Fortanach Col her first Category One finalist. Formerly with Liam Dowling where he was known as Ballymac Tibet, he had shaped through the competition as if the step up in distance was going to be a help to him. 

Goldcash Warrior had been sent off favourite for Nathan Hunt and he was the first to show on the short run to the opening bend. Col turned handy enough but he found Brunssum Bubble difficult to clear, getting a nudge at the third bend before getting a little trodden on at the fourth. 

From that point it would’ve been easy to write him off with four lengths to find as the field moved past the sprint traps. However, in true Hollywood style, the winner dug deep to close into a challenging position halfway around the final two bends before powering to the front to run out a length winner. 

It was no surprise afterwards to find that Wilton couldn’t get any words out, with the emotion of the win clear on the faces of the huge crowd of supporters who crowded around the podium to celebrate the winner of the £10,000 first prize. 

Owner Gary Armstrong, resplendent in his kilt was able to speak to stadium announcer Rob Crawford who was struggling to hold back the tears himself, such was the regard that Colin was held in by those who knew him. 

Armstrong who declared the whole experience as “a dream, it really is”, was quick to thank Willie and Shane Rigney representing sponsors Time, with the latter on hand to present the trophy. He also thanked Liam Dowling for the call that led to the dog being bought, the friendship and subsequent calls.

It will be interesting to see what the plans are for him after the dust settles. The Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger at Dunstall Park would look to be the most natural target for him in September but he has plenty of speed over four bends and he might find that Monmore’s 630m will be fine for him. Wherever he ends up, there will be a bigger fan club than ever to support him.