Sovereign Poppy creates history as greyhound racing at Dunstall Park gets underway

Sovereign Poppy creates history as greyhound racing at Dunstall Park gets underway

Greyhound Racing got underway at Dunstall Park this morning and the Jak Knape trained Sovereign Poppy enters the history books as the first winner

In recent years, greyhound racing in the Uk has seen the closure of several tracks which can lead into the question of, “Who was the last winner at such and such track”?

Brian Nicholls trained the last winner at Wimbledon with Glitzy King, current Monmore trainer Gary Griffiths trained the last winner at Belle Vue with Rockmount Buster, and even this year, Central Park trainer Julie Luckhurst’s Kilmagner Flash crossed the line in front for the final time at Crayford in January, as well as the Heathcliffe Williams trained Collier Tom, who won the final race at Perry Barr just a couple of weeks ago

But, for the first time since the opening of Towcester, the question can now be asked “Who was the first winner at Dunstall Park”?

The answer, and the honour, goes to the Jak Knape trained Sovereign Poppy (below), who took advantage of some minor crowding round the first bend to hit the front, and went on to record a four and a half length victory in 29.55. 

Speaking after the race, Knape said “It’s very overwhelming knowing that Sovereign Poppy has created history. I’ve found the track very well and so far, my greyhounds have really taken to the place”

Photo credit: @DunstallDogs X account

Knape wasn’t alone with his praises of the Wolverhampton based track.

Kate Harrison, who along with Ross Williams and Simon Deakin, trained two winners each on the ten race card courtesy of Ace Impact and the fastest winner of the day Oswoald, who made all the running in an A2 contest in 28.67, and she spoke highly of what she has experienced so far at Dunstall Park

“So far, we can’t fault the track and facilities that are available at the moment. The kennels are great and our dogs seem to settle well in them. The track and surface is immaculate and are being managed well by the track staff with plenty of water going on"

“Our dogs seem to have taken really well to the track and have taken the change from Perry Barr in their stride with lots going quicker on the new track compared to Perry Barr. Obviously, there have been a few teething problems during trials but all seem to be ironed out quickly”

“I think it’s a great facility and look forward to racing here into the future”

Other trainer’s who switched from Perry Barr to Dunstall Park include Simon Deakin and Emily Blunt, both of whom enjoyed winners this morning, with Blazeaway Rocket and Ratchies Saphire scoring for Deakin, and Fastnet Force earlier getting Blunt off the mark, and both trainers also had praise for the new circuit

“I’ve been very impressed with the new track and the facilities are second to none”, said Deakin. "My dogs on the whole have taken to the track fine and I’m very happy that ARC have made this happen for the future of our great sport”.

“The track is running well”, said Blunt. "Dogs seem to be adjusting to the track well. The facilities are outstanding and am hoping that the track continues to take off”

Racing Manager Martin Seal said "Pleased to get the first one out of the way, and initial feedback has been very positive, which is a blessing. We're still settling in, but everyone has worked hard to get this far, and it's good to see what has been a long-term plan finally start to bear fruit"

"The racing strength is expected to grow over the coming weeks, and I'm already looking forward to seeing a few stars of the sport strut their stuff in the PGR Oaks and ARC Scurry Gold Cup in October"

With six of the ten races going the way of the red box and a winner from trap three,  it would be fair to say that the inside runners enjoyed the best of the new conditions but the runners in trap six finished runner up on three occasions, so it could be premature to say that the track will favour the inside runners in the coming weeks. 

The first meeting available to viewed by the public takes place on Friday 19th September

Tickets for that meeting and other information can be found on the website, which can be found by clicking here