Jimmy targets an unprecedented Northern Flat hat-trick with Elusivenomore

Two-times Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat winner Jimmy Fenwick is targeting an unprecedented hat-trick with Gymcrack hero Elusivenomore ahead of Thursday's semifinals. The Ashington handler is bidding to do what no trainer has achieved before in the competition's 98-year history by winning it three times in a row after lifting the trophy with Brookside Richie in 2023 and Wicky Ned a year later.

The Northern Flat: A Competition Steeped in History

The Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat stands as one of the most prestigious competitions in the UK racing calendar. Established in 1927, the event has crowned 97 different champions across its near-century existence, making Fenwick's potential third consecutive victory a truly unprecedented achievement.

The Star of the Show: Elusivenomore

Jimmy's hat-trick hopes are pinned on 23-month-old Elusivenomore, who burst onto the scene in April when upsetting the odds to win the £17,500 Gymcrack at Sheffield, priced at 12/1. The fawn pup's victory at Sheffield announced his arrival as a serious contender in open company, providing the foundation for his Northern Flat challenge.

The fawn pup is unbeaten at Newcastle thus far in three runs. However, Thursday's semifinals represent his toughest task yet, where a top-two finish will book his spot in next week's £12,500 final.

Semifinal Analysis: Trap Two Challenge

Thursday's semifinal draw presents both opportunities and challenges for the Fenwick team, with tactical considerations playing a crucial role in qualification hopes.

"He obviously won the Gymcrack, and has followed that up with a Category Three competition win at Newcastle so we know he runs the track well."

Kennel Strength: Multiple Angel of the North Contenders

Beyond the headline Northern Flat challenge, Jimmy Fenwick demonstrates the depth of his operation with four representatives in the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Angel of the North semifinals, showcasing the kennel's strength across multiple competition levels.

Angel of the North Semifinal Quartet

Coppice Saphire, Skeard Josie, Annadown Alice and Ballymac Camilla have been spread across each of the three semifinals, with Jimmy hopeful of reaching next Thursday's Category Two final.

Individual Angel of the North Assessments

“Coppice Saphire knows the track really well, and is a great bitch for us,” said Jimmy. “She was brave at the bend last week and chased Killieford Hanna down well, who’s great over six bends.

“Bluebell Teddy on her inside has a lot of early pace, and could be a hazard. She’ll need to be clever at the first bend"

“For Skeard Josie the competition has probably come a month too quick. But Annadown Alice on her outside has the ability to break well and lead with a bit of luck."

“(Ballymac) Camilla has a great draw in trap four, and was unlucky not to win her heat last week when running into traffic. On her day, she can put up a good time.”

International Success: Wicky Ned's Irish Adventure

The Fenwick kennel's international profile received another boost at the weekend when 2024 GBGB Greyhound of the Year Wicky Ned represented England in the €20,000 Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International Open, demonstrating the global recognition of the operation's quality.

"It was a great experience. But he was a touch unlucky in running. He broke well, but hit the rail and moved out wide on the first bend where he bumped into Daleroad Duke in trap three."

Racing Incident and Recovery

Despite the promising start, traffic complications affected Wicky Ned's rhythm during the crucial middle stages of the race, though his class ultimately showed through in the closing stages.

"He was hassled down the back straight and lost his stride slightly and rallied well at the end. We were pleased with his performance, though. And to scoop €6,000 for finishing second is great for the team."

Thursday Night Significance: Historic Opportunity

Thursday evening at Newcastle represents more than just another round of semifinals - it offers Jimmy Fenwick the opportunity to etch his name permanently into Northern Flat folklore while demonstrating the exceptional depth of his current string.

Event Information

• Venue: Newcastle Stadium
• Date: Thursday, July 17
• Doors Open: 5:45 PM
• First Race: 6:37 PM
• Ticket Prices: From £9 (online or on door)
• Feature Events: Northern Flat semifinals & Angel of the North semifinals

The Weight of History

No trainer in the Northern Flat's 98-year history has managed three consecutive victories. Fenwick's achievement in winning back-to-back editions with different greyhounds already places him among the competition's most successful handlers, but Thursday's semifinals could elevate him to unprecedented heights.

The pressure of expectation brings its own challenges, particularly when combined with the natural progression of competition quality in Category One events. However, Elusivenomore's proven ability at Newcastle and his Gymcrack success suggests he possesses the class required for such occasions.

Looking Beyond Thursday: Final Preparations

Should Elusivenomore successfully navigate Thursday's semifinal challenge, the £12,500 final awaits next week, presenting the ultimate test of the hat-trick bid. The final would pit the Gymcrack winner against the finest staying specialists in the competition, requiring peak performance to achieve the historic treble.

Broader Implications for British Racing

Fenwick's potential achievement extends beyond personal glory, representing the sustained excellence that elevates British greyhound racing's international reputation. His success with different greyhounds demonstrates training versatility and kennel management skills that set benchmarks for the industry.

The international recognition evidenced by Wicky Ned's Irish assignment further reinforces the quality emanating from the Ashington base, with connections worldwide monitoring developments in both immediate competitions and future campaigns.

More than prize money and trophies, Thursday evening offers Jimmy Fenwick the chance to achieve what no trainer has accomplished in nearly a century of Northern Flat competition. The stage is set for a truly historic evening at Newcastle.

Key Semifinal Rivals and Tactical Assessment

"He's got his draw in trap two, but the key to the race is the early pace on his inside. Really, we're going to have to trap in front of Naochra in trap one and get to the rail at the bend."

"We'd expect to lead Droopys Bookem in trap three, but out even wider you have Hollyhill Gonzo who clocked a 4.39 sectional last week which is world class. If we can get to the bend on the inside, we have a great chance of qualifying."

The tactical element centers on securing the rail position at the first bend, with Naochra's early pace from trap one presenting the primary obstacle to ideal positioning. Success in negotiating this challenge could determine qualification hopes.