"When you need some light in dark times all you need is a greyhound!"

Spiridon Zelus finds winning form at a difficult time

Spiridon Zelus has timed a superb run of form at a special, albeit emotional time for owner Gail May, after the passing of her dad - and Zelus’s part-owner - John last week.

John May died, aged 88, just a few weeks after Spiridon Zelus - kennel name Pete - made his and John’s first Category One final in the British Bred Derby and, while ultimately down the field behind King Memphis, John enjoyed final afternoon at Towcester despite his ailing condition.

Gail May said: “The last three weeks have been dreadful but, as always, greyhounds have somehow made it bearable.

“As many people know, dad absolutely loved the dogs. He started going racing in 1956 and has been an ever-present round the tracks ever since. Pete was dad’s first ever big finalist - at 88 - and, while we knew he had little or no chance in the decider, he’d made our day when winning his semi-final and making the final.

“And dad had a ball. He loved the hospitality and, especially, the food!

“Sadly the following week he went into hospital and passed away last weekend. His last lucid day saw him sitting up in bed cheering our other runner ‘Cyril’ (Can You Hear Me) home. It was incredibly emotional for me.

“Since dad’s passing Pete has run twice and won both times. Just the tonic I needed but I underestimated just how hard going to the track would be.

“Although I often go racing alone or with friends on other occasions, I always went with dad when our boys ran. Last Tuesday I found myself standing on ‘our’ step, leaning against ‘our’ rail and it hit me dad wasn’t beside me. But he was there in spirit and Pete knew exactly what was required, bless him.

“When you need some light in dark times all you need is a greyhound!”

*THE funeral of John May will take place at Hemel Hempstead Crematorium at 2.30pm on Wednesday, February 11.