Locke quartet primed for ARC Kent Plate heats on Saturday

Locked and loaded ahead of the Kent Plate

Central Park’s newest professional greyhound trainer is optimistic of her chances to win this year’s Arena Racing Company Kent Plate after entering four kennel stars. 

Razldazl Myway, Headford Dane, Ballymac Axel and The Other Chief will all represent Essex trainer Maxine Locke, who last month announced her racing operation would switch from Romford to Central Park from May. 

Her quartet are already well versed around the Sittingbourne venue, with each hound winning at least one race over the Kent Plate’s 491m trip previously. 

Headford Dane is arguably the one that is most dialed into Central Park, having finished third in last year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby with two course and distance wins to his name. 

Locke’s entries form part of a star-studded line-up for the competition, with other greyhounds of note including defending champion Proper Heiress, last year’s Northern Puppy Derby hero Droopys Deploy and four-times Category One finalist Slick Sentinel.

“It’s a really hot competition this year,” she said. 

“We’re all looking forward to switching to Central Park in May, it’s the type of track that is perfect for the greyhounds our owners are purchasing with the English Derby in mind. 

“Razldazl Myway has a tough assignment here. He runs Central Park well, and has a huge heart, but we’re hoping he can progress as far as possible. I don’t think clocking 28.50 or 28.60 is realistic for him, but he can keep progressing so our fingers are crossed.

 “Headford Dane is an exciting greyhound, and probably one of our best. He might need the run on Saturday, so we’re just hoping he qualifies and can come on for the run. 

“Ballymac Axel runs Central Park really well and although he might not have the early pace to get to the first bend in front, he will be running on at the end. 

“And we’re excited about what The Other Chief can do as he’s coming back from an injury and flew around in his first run at the track in December.”

Tickets for Saturday’s Arena Racing Company Kent Plate heats are available online via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk. 

Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 5.30pm.Admission on finals night (Saturday, March 28) is free to all racegoers who book online, with a complimentary welcome drink chucked in too. 

The offer forms part of Arena Racing Company’s Ultimate Greyhound Race Nights for 2026, which include all Category One finals held at Central Park.