Sutherst double-handed in Puppy Cup semi-finals

Witton duo go for Sutherst in Sunderland semis

County Durham handler Jill Sutherst will fly the flag for Sunderland on Friday night in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Cup semi-finals, where she’s represented by two home-breds.

Witton Versace and Witton Williams qualified from their respective heats on Friday and are now one race away from the competition’s £7,500 final, which headlines a blockbuster night of racing on June 27. 

The pair have been drawn together and avoided ante-post favourites Slingshot Poppy and Santas Amigo, who will go paw-to-paw in the first semi final. 

A top-three finish will book their spot in next week’s feature race, where Jill and her partner Glenn are dreaming of landing their first major competition since Witton Razl scooped the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby at Newcastle in 2022. 

Jill even went as far as saying Witton Williams could be the best greyhound the couple have trained and is hoping for a good performance. 

“He’s probably the best greyhound we have trained,” said Jill. 

“He has so much talent, but can cramp up towards the end of his races. It doesn’t bother him at all. He’s so chilled out and walks back to the kennels after racing with no issues at all, but if it’s something we can get to the bottom of, then we’ll unlock his true potential.

“It was a pleasant surprise to see (Witton) Versace qualify. She’s worked her way up through the grades nicely and it would be amazing for her to reach the final as we didn’t expect her to get this far.”

Tickets for Friday’s semi-finals are available online from just £8 and can be purchased on the door. Doors open at 6.15pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 7.08pm. 

Arena Racing Company Puppy Trophy semi-final draw:

Semi Final One: Greenwell Crazy, Sunnyside Jayden, Steadyon Marlene, Slingshot Poppy, Santas Amigos, Greenwell Tyson. 

Semi Final Two: Zenith Impact, Witton Versace, Bogger Darling, Sunnyside Gurkha, Witton Williams, Jacktavern Chief.