A greyhound racing enthusiast who was born and raised in Sunderland before becoming the third generation in his family to train professionally is eyeing his biggest career win.
Stuart Tighe became Sunderland Greyhound Stadium’s newest trainer when attaching his 12-strong kennel to the Newcastle Road venue in September.
Two months after joining, the 36-year-old is closing in on winning the track’s most prestigious race – the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Classic – which resumes on Friday night.
It’s a competition Stuart holds fond memories of having previously worked for Steven Anderson when he won the Classic in 2024 with Bramble Linton.
But the north-east local said winning it alone would represent the biggest privilege of his life.
He’s represented by two-year-old black dog Brickhill Tamika, who sprung a surprise when winning heat three of the Classic’s heats to progress to this week’s semi-finals where the top two in each race will advance to next Friday’s (November 20) final.
“We know he’s a fast greyhound,” said Stuart.
“But he can be inconsistent so to see him win Friday’s heat was a nice surprise.
“He’s improving with time and has already qualified for a Category Two final this year. Now we want to go a step further and reach the Classic final.
“I was a teenager when the Classic was first held and locally this is as good as it gets, it’s the race everyone wants to win.
“Just to reach the final would be a privilege for me.
“Greyhound racing has been passed down from my granddad to my dad and now I’m following in their footsteps. It’s a way of life.
“Friday’s semi-final draw is really challenging – it’s the toughest out of the three semis no doubt. But we’ll give it our best shot.”
Elsewhere during Friday’s heats, Slingshot Poppy qualified fastest when winning heat five in 26.76.
There were also wins for Tom Heilbron’s Glengar Phantom, Savva Roberts’ Millhill May, Indian Mist for David Wilkinson and Jimmy Fenwick’s Ballymac Shontae. Fenwick’s kennel star Woltemade also qualified after finishing third in heat six.
Tickets for the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic semi-finals on Friday, November 13, can be purchased from £10 via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 6pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.23pm. All U18s go free.
Premier Greyhound Racing Classic semi-final draw
Semi Final One: Indian Mist, Arthur Tomato, Droopys Monk, Arthur Bitter, Romeo Hanyu, Ballymac Shontae.
Semi Final Two: Romeo Astron, Rolo Genie, Millhill May, Ropewalk Ranger, Pressure Tie, Glengar Phantom.
Semi Final Three: Brickhill Tamika, Essjay Mercury, Slingshot Poppy, Grouchos Chief, Woltemade, Foulkscourt Bono.
