Kevin Hutton excited by potential superstar Magical Luka

Super Luka excites Hutton

Kevin Hutton believes Magical Luka could be a superstar ahead of his tilt at the Coral Romford Puppy Cup.

The October 2023 son of King Sheeran and Magical Mary won all seven starts in Ireland, including three track-record runs at Tralee, before Patrick Guilfoyle sent him to Hutton for a crack at the upcoming Category One competition at the London Road circuit.

Magical Luka ran riot in the heats of a two-round event at Romford on his British debut last week, scoring by six and a half lengths in 23.68. If everything goes to plan in the final on Friday night, then the exciting youngster will line up in the Puppy Cup first round a week later.

Hutton said: “I thought he was impressive. He’s a wonderful puppy, he really is.

“Obviously, he came with a very lofty reputation – his form in Ireland was absolutely top drawer – so we were just thankful that carried on as it did. 

“He kind of stumbled and took a sidewards step out of the boxes, but as soon as he sorted himself out and straightened up, he’s just electric.

“As long as we get through tomorrow night, it’s very much all systems go for the Romford Puppy Cup. This novice competition looked a perfect stepping stone for him and it’s good to have a couple of races at Romford.

"Hopefully, it’s all worked out well for us.”

Surprise call

Magical Luka’s performances saw him come in for plenty of support for the BoyleSports Irish Derby and not many saw him taking in the Romford Puppy Cup instead.

Hutton was delighted to be asked to train one of the hottest prospects in greyhound racing and he admits the call from Guilfoyle was an unexpected surprise.

“We’ve known Pat for many years now and we’ve bought a lot of dogs from him in the past,” the trainer continued.

 “Obviously, Magical Bale was great fun for us all – he came to us for some competitions and went back to Pat for some competitions. We’ve got on well ever since.

“Pat just called me out of the blue one day to ask if we would train the dog for the Romford Puppy Cup and we were delighted to, so that was it really.

“It’s very much just the Romford Puppy Cup and it’s completely down to Pat then – if he goes home or if there is something else he fancies. We’re perfectly happy either way, it’s up to him – it’s his dog and his decision. 

"We’ll see how the Puppy Cup goes and take it from there.”

Potential superstar

When asked how good he thinks Magical Luka could be, Hutton had no hesitation in stating just how highly he rates him.

Hutton added: “He is top class, there is no doubt in my mind at all. His form in Ireland, and what we have seen so far, is excellent.

“For a puppy to go to Romford first time and do the sectional (3.58) and the 23.53 (+10) in his trial just oozes class. 

“He’s an exceptional puppy and hopefully he goes to have a great career – he could be a real superstar.”