Luck required for Julie’s ARC Kent Plate hope Snowdon Mel

Mel set to run in the race of her life

Snowdon Mel will require the performance of a lifetime to qualify for next week’s Arena Racing Company Kent Plate final at Central Park, according to her trainer Julie Luckhurst. 

The Staplehurst trainer is one of two Kent-based trainers to reach the semi-final stage of the £12,500 competition, the other being David Puddy’s Hasty Lottie. 

Both greyhounds have been drawn against each other in the first of three semi-finals, which features seven-times open race winner Droopys Graph, Gold Collar finalist Rackethall Brute, East Anglian Derby runner-up Burrows Charm and multiple Category One finalist Slick Sentinel. 

A top two finish is required to progress, although Luckhurst – who won the Oxfordshire Gold Cup twice with Barnfield Joe in 2007 and 2008 - is remaining realistic regarding her chances and admits hopes of her lifting a first major trophy in 18 years are slim.

“She’s shown a lot more at home in the last month than previously,” said Luckhurst.

 “There’s no hiding it, this competition is a massive step up for her and to reach the semi-finals is a huge achievement. 

“But she’s fitter, is showing good early pace and is now used to the track which has taken time because she’s only a small greyhound running on a big galloping track. 

“We’re up against some real high-quality greyhounds who are proven at this level, but we’ll take our chance.”

Other greyhounds of note to qualify for Saturday’s semi-finals are last year’s champion Proper Heiress, and 2025 Northern Puppy Derby winner Droopys Deploy. 

Tickets for the 2026 Arena Racing Company Kent Plate semi-finals on Saturday, March 21, are available online.

 Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 5.30pm. 

Admission on finals night next week, March 28, is free to all racegoers who book online in advance and includes a free drink voucher.