Tonight's David Lipsey Trophy at Monmore - What The Trainers Say

Maxine Locke - Joker: Annadown Warrior 

Sadly I'll not be at Monmore because, due to health reasons, I've had to take a step back. My assistant Jo (Ramsay) has taken over the running of the kennel, so I can concentrate fully on what's ahead. I’m lucky to have great staff and amazing owners - headed by dad, of course, but also Jack, Gavin, Adam and Dean as the 'JR' boys who are huge supporters of mine and the kennel. 

Our team is a good team. The draws were also kind to us. Annadown Warrior is looking like he could be special and hopefully he gets a good run to the bend. And we have a few that could get good points, too.

The dogs are in great hands with the team headed by Jo and Megan (Flood) and I thank them for their support - and the support and the messages of so many others. I'm gutted not to be there but I'll be cheering them on! 

Kevin Hutton - Joker: Tooreen Rose 

Judgement Night is always one of our favourite nights of the year. It takes an awful lot of work from the previous year to qualify so we always try to enjoy the night regardless of how it goes. I think this is our 11th year on the trot that we’ve managed to take part in the event which is something we’re very proud of. 

On paper it’s probably not one of our strongest teams but our dogs are in great order at home and the draws haven’t worked out too bad so we’re hoping for the best.

Tooreen Rose ran really for us at Towcester so am more than happy for her to be our joker. 

Tom Heilbron - Joker: Toddys Storm 

I've gone with Toddys Storm as my joker. She made a really good debut at Newcastle and has plenty of pace when getting loose. The trial at Monmore was good and hopefully the wide draw suits! Overall we know it’s a huge ask this year but after another good year for the kennel last year I felt it was right to take our chance. 

A massive thanks to the kennelstaff for their efforts which allowed us to finish in the top six again and take our chance on Judgement Night for the third year running. It’s always a great event and hopefully we see some great racing! Monmore is sure to put on a fantastic night's racing - and it’s definitely one of my favourite tracks in the country. 

Nathan Hunt - Joker: Senahel Sydney 

Last year I had two dogs capable of being the joker and both won. However this year, I wouldn’t say I have any particular runners and fancies that standout but will overall have a team of dogs that can score points. As last year showed, you don’t necessarily have to have winners to win it, although it helps! 

In the end I went with Senahel Sydney who has been running out of his skin for me and he’s the type who gives his all no matter what the opposition, so I’ve gone for him.

We've got some decent draws and some difficult ones. I’m sure it will be a great night's racing. Finishing fifth to qualify for Judgement Night has been an accumulation of everyone’s hard work since I took the licence over in 2020 and I’m very grateful to each owner who has supported me in that time. 

Paul Young - Joker: Copney Queen 

It’s a great night's racing and one we're delighted to be a part of again.

When we got the call to step in for Patrick (Janssens) we had no hesitation. I've got a good kennel just now and a few more nice types coming in. As for Monmore, again I'm more than happy with the team I've put out. I've gone with Copney Queen for our joker. She's not been with us long and has trialled back well after Towcester. Let's hope she gets a chance to show her pace. You need luck but we've got a chance for sure.

Hopefully the dogs run well for a real team effort which would be great for the kennel and our owners who are really supportive. We're looking forward to it and it's definitely a case of fingers crossed for a good show.

Well done to Monmore for hosting and the sponsors for supporting an important night - and may the best team win.

Mark Wallis - Joker: Vhagar

I think we are false favourites to be honest. We have a good competitive team but I think all the other trainers are the same. I expect to be well behind after three races but think we can finish strong.

We produced a good all-round team effort to win the event last year and I'd happily settle for no winners but winning outright again!

I've gone with Vhagar as our joker. She's a class act and loves Monmore having won the Summer Classic there last year, but 684m is a shade too far for her. She'll have to dominate, but is definitely capable of doing that.

It should be good night's racing and I'm very pleased it’s honouring David Lipsey, a great man who loved our sport.