North-east strongly represented in ARC Northern Puppy Derby final
There is plenty of representation for the local trainers in the final of the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle on Thursday evening.
Northern Puppy Derby final has plenty for the locals
Greyhound racing’s future stars will be on show at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday night, where a quartet of local trainers are hoping to scoop the track’s first major prize this year.
Jimmy Fenwick, Ted Soppitt, Brian Fairbairn and Savva Roberts are all represented in the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby.
The competition is the north-east’s premier puppy event, which has been won previously by icons of the track including Olympic and Eclipse champion Droopys Buick (2015) plus Pall Mall and Gold Cup hero Links Maverick (2023).
Category One glory has so far evaded Savva Roberts during his time in greyhound racing, which stretches back more than 20 years.
And although his runner – Mossend Brute – is priced 25/1 to lift Thursday’s big prize, the County Durham trainer remains optimistic after his 18-month-old kennel star clocked the fastest sectional of all the finalists during last week’s semi-finals.
“It’s great to reach the final,” said Roberts.
“He (Mossend Brute) is a very fast and young greyhound with a big engine, and last Thursday’s semi-finals just seemed to click for him.
“He might be a big price, but he’s there on merit and I believe there’s a lot of improvement to come from him.
“Ballymac Buddy has been very impressive through the competition, and Woltemade has been quick away from the boxes too.
“We’ll hope for the best from our boy, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of his biggest fans trackside cheering him on!”
Joining Mossend Brute in the final are Jimmy Fenwick’s pair Ballymac Service and Woltemade, named after Newcastle United’s striking German forward. Ballymac Buddy for Ted Soppitt is favourite to win the race.
BackToYourBest and Slingshot Major round-off the finalists for Carol Weatherall and Brian Fairbairn respectively.
Tickets for the 2026 Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby are available from £9 via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk, and will be available on the door too.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
