Sunderland Stadium hosts Category One racing on Friday when the Arena Racing Company Grand Prix begins, and one of the venue’s longest-serving trainers has two chances to win.
Yvonne Bell started working with greyhounds over 50 years ago and now employs 10 staff who care for 100 racers based at her kennels in Spennymoor.
Despite a lifetime in the sport, Yvonne has never won a Category One competition – the highest level of UK greyhound racing.
But she’s hoping that trend can change when Innfield Ciara and Westside Bocko line-up in Heat Five of the Grand Prix’s opening round on Friday evening.
The competition – worth £12,500 to the winner – was inaugurated in 2007 and is held over Sunderland’s 640-metre trip. Speaking ahead of Friday’s opening round, Yvonne said she’s keeping her fingers crossed at least one of her kennel stars can advance to the semi finals by finishing in the top three of their respective race.
“It’s every trainer’s dream to be part of Category One competitions – let alone to win one,” said Yvonne. “Innfield Ciara will be entering new territory on Friday night.
“Everything we’ve seen from her suggests she’ll appreciate the step-up to 640-metres which was in our plans anyway. She’s in a very tough heat but has worked her way up through the grades and is always running on strong at the end.
“Bocko (Westside Bocko) might be up against it. He finished second in a Maiden Open at Sheffield last month and trialled over the 640m distance a week before that run where we thought he would run better than he did.
“He’s a beautiful dog and has really matured in recent weeks. He has a couple of race wins under his belt from running at graded level so we’re interested to see how he runs.”
Defending champion Coonough Crow is among those declared to run with Innfield Ciara and Westside Bocko in Heat Five. Sunderland is also represented by Dean Blackbird’s trio Chelms Maggie, Emers Bonnie and Silk Cut Loco.
Tickets for Round One of the Arena Racing Company Grand Prix are available to purchase online by clicking here.
Doors open at 6.30pm with the first of 12 races due to start at 7.16pm.
2024 Arena Racing Company Grand Prix, Round One draw:
Heat One: Savana Shay, Knockalton Duza, Da Bold Freddie, March On Frankie, Dunquin Katrina, Agile Ange.
Heat Two: Savana Heross, Lightfoot Clark, Chelms Maggie, Aayamza Dancer, Havana Meanie, Coppice Kaiser.
Heat Three: Emers Bonnie, Savana Titan, Minnie Bullet, Syds Smurph, Farneys Willie, Savana Jazz.
Heat Four: Dapper Mac, Brinkleys Magic, Droopys Arabella, Greenwell Ange, Kevinsfort Luke, Ballymac Johnjo.
Heat Five: Savana Shay, Knockalton Duza, Da Bold Freddie, March On Frankie, Dunquin Katrina, Agile Ange.
Heat Six: Aayamza Sydney, Innfield Charm, Titanium, Silk Cut Loco, Greenwell Halle, Knockalton Madam.
