Savva has his eyes on the big prize with three entered in ARC Northern Puppy Derby
Trainer Savva Roberts has three entries in the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby with the opening round tomorrow night at Newcastle.
Savva Roberts has three bites of the cherry in the Northern Puppy Derby
Droopys Trigger, Droopys Calla and Mossend Brute will represent Savva Roberts in the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby which begins at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday.
The competition is one of the highlights on UK greyhound racing’s puppy calendar, and has been won in recent years by superstars of the track including multiple Category One champion Links Maverick and 2024 St Leger runner-up Clona Curly.
Category One glory has evaded Savva despite more than two decades in the sport. And although greyhounds and their trainers will travel from as far as Essex to be part of competition, the SR Transport founder is hopeful one of his kennel stars can qualify for next week’s semi-finals.
“The dream is to win a Category One competition – that’s what wakes everyone up in the morning,” said Roberts.
“There are a lot of strong entries this year, but we have chances of qualifying so we’re looking forward to Thursday’s heats.
“Droopys Trigger has won a few races but he can still be an immature greyhound. If he had another yard of early pace, we’d expect him to run very well.
“Droopys Calla has a tough draw but she’s one who excites us for the future and in the long-term I can see her performing well over six bends.
“Mossend Brute has the advantage of a vacant box on his inside but, again, he’s been drawn against some fast greyhounds. If he breaks well, he has every chance of qualifying but he might just be lacking a bit of experience.”
Tickets for the 2026 Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby heats are available to purchase via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Finals night is scheduled for Thursday, February 19.
Other local trainers represented in the competition are Jimmy Fenwick with Senahel Jet, Ballymac Service, Ballymac Shontae, Brunssum Bubble and Woltemade.
Tom Heilbron – who won the competition in 2023 – has entered Links Jester, Safe Vision and Little Pretender, while Raymond Hale has Fardoe Sleek and Brian Fairbairn runs Slingshot Major.
Ted Soppitt is represented by Ballymac Buddy, while John Flaherty – who won last year’s Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat with Naochra – has entered Copney Queen.
