Slingshots “couldn’t be happier” with superstar Slingshot Poppy

Slingshot Poppy has All England Cup glory in her sights

A chorus of celebration will ring around Glasgow on Thursday evening should Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup favourite Slingshot Poppy qualify from her semi-final. 

Brian Fairbairn’s brindled bitch, owned by Airdrie-based Craig Armstrong, is one race away from reaching her first Category One final in the UK after stealing the show during last week’s heats. 

The 10-times Open Race winner clocked 28.56 seconds when winning Heat Two of the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup. She beat Northern Flat champion Naochra and English Greyhound Derby finalist Zenith Tanju in the process and is now as short as 5/4 to scoop the £20,000 first prize on finals night on Saturday, December 27.

The Armstrong-Fairbairn combination has qualified for two Category One finals previously, with the late Slingshot Sam finishing second in the 2024 Northern Flat and Slingshot Skylah finishing third in last year’s All England Cup. 

Although hopeful of her chances of qualifying, owner Armstrong accepts she must be on her a-game when traps rise on Thursday. “We couldn’t have been happier with her run last week,” he said. 

“To beat the likes of Naochra and Zenith Tanju (previously Sole Mio) was a shock, we only started in greyhound racing two years ago and now we’re competing with the best. 

“We have a very tough semi-final draw, which is to be expected – all greyhounds competing at this level are high quality. 

“If she traps as we know she can, she should be able to lead around the first bend and from there we just hope – like now – that she can qualify.”

Qualifying would book Slingshot Poppy’s space in Newcastle Stadium’s most prestigious race of the year where a bumper crowd is expected trackside. 

The night, which will be held in memory of legendary trainer Jimmy Wright – who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in February – will feature 12 Open Races with more than £40,000 in prize money on offer. 

A piper has been booked to greet winners from each race to the podium, before a karaoke will take place after racing until late. 

Armstrong added: “It will be a spectacular evening. 

“We have more than 250 people joining the Slingshot Army on the night, we’ve completely booked out a local hotel and have approximately 50 people from England joining our celebrations. 

“The atmosphere will be electric – greyhound racing as it should be – and we can’t wait, so come along. The dream would be to be represented in the final.”

Other local trainers to be represented in the semi-finals are Stephen Caile (Crooks Coco and Ballymac Briar), Jimmy Fenwick (Ballymac Lake), Tom Heilbron (Droopys Bookem, Ballymac Sargie, Toddys Tank, Deerjet Rocket and Unanimous Leon), John Flaherty (Naochra), Stuart Ray (Blackhouse Kim) and Joe Edgar (Fabulous Harmony). 

Brian Fairbairn’s other runner, Slingshot Kian, was withdrawn after picking up a minor wrist injury. 

Tickets for the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup semi-finals on Thursday, December 18, can be purchased by clicking here. 

Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races off at 6.37pm. Finals night on Saturday, December 27, begins at the slightly earlier time of 6.31pm. Tickets are available from £9 both online and on the door.