Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks entries close at 11am on Tuesday, September 30

Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks entries close at 11am on Tuesday, September 30

The most hotly anticipated Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks in recent years begins on Friday night at Dunstall Park – and trainers are being reminded of the deadline for entries. 

The £20,000 to the winner competition is open to 72 of the UK and Ireland’s fastest bitches and will take place at Dunstall Park across the next four weeks. Notable entries include Robert Gleeson’s unbeaten May ’23 bitch Droopys Kathleen, who clocked 27.82 in a 480m trial on September 19. 

Droopys Kathleen - 2024 Puppy Oaks winner. Image - Shelbourne Park Greyhounds X

English Greyhound Derby winning trainer Patrick Janssens has also entered Fabulous Aria and Slick Skylark, while six-times Open Race winner Aero Becks for Richie Taberner is set to make her Category One competition debut. 

A £5,000 bonus has also been made available by Arena Racing Company to any greyhound which wins this year’s Oaks that was also successful in a pre-competition trial stakes. Those greyhounds include Beatties Razl for Kim Billingham-Hine, Phil Milner’s Droopys Glam and Seamus Cahill’s Kelvins Hat. 

To enter, simply call 0121 331 3912 or email: [email protected] 

Chris Black, General Manager at Dunstall Park, said: “Tuesday is our deadline for entries for this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks. 

“It’s a special year for this historic competition, given it’s the first time it will be staged at Dunstall Park.

“We’ve already attracted a strong list of entries, including the sensational Droopys Kathleen who dazzled in a pre-competition trial less than a fortnight ago. 

“We’re really pleased with how the track is settling in, and the feedback from trainers and kennel hands following our first night of open racing on Saturday was really positive. Best of luck to all trainers and connections ahead of Friday’s opening round.”

Speaking to Dunstall Park Racing Manager Martin Seal, he had this to say about the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks: “To confirm entries for Friday's first round of the 2025 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks close at 11am Tuesday 30th September. Entries are coming along nicely, with several big-name trainers yet to declare their hand.

Speaking about tickets for Friday, Martin added: “Patrons wishing to attend Dunstall Park for the bitches' classic should visit our website https://www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk/ where trackside admission tickets, starting at £5.00, and tables in Horizons restaurant can be purchased. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.’’

Looking back on the first open races to take place at Dunstall Park, Martin said: “Saturday's all-open race card went well, with some competitive racing and three track records to boot over the sprint and stayers' trips. It augurs well for the coming weeks when we'll crown the PGR Oaks and Scurry Gold Cup champions for 2025.’’

Key dates for the diary:

Round one will take place on Friday, October 3 with the second round heats a week later on Friday, October 10. The semi-finals will be held on Friday, October 17. 

· Final: Friday, October 24, 2025

· Venue: Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium

· Distance: 480 meters

· Prize: £20,000 to the winner

Druids Say Go took the honours last year when the competition was held at Perry Barr with a dominant display of front running. Sent off as the 4/11 favourite the Patrick Janssens-trained September 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney trapped well and took the race by just over five lengths with Icemans Girl in second and Coppice Ella in third.

First run at White City between 1927 and 1958, the Oaks gained classic status in 1939, becoming the seventh classic. Harringay was the host venue of the Oaks between 1959 and 1987, with the event then moving to Wimbledon until 2012.

In 2013, the GRA moved the Category One event to Belle Vue with Swindon then taking over in 2018 until 2021. Perry Barr was the host venue in recent years until the track closed with Dunstall Park the new home of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks.

The competition has had various sponsors over the years, including William Hill, Racing Post Greyhound TV, Arena Racing Company and now Premier Greyhound Racing.

Tickets for the PGR Oaks heats and final can be purchased via the official Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium website.