ROMFORD is building up to its last Category One final of 2026 with the Coral 100 Champion Stakes coming to a conclusion over 575m on Friday.

In a week in which the London Road venue will be featured again on The Box Seat, Sky Sports Racing’s brand new greyhound show, on Wednesday, Romford’s communications manager Jess Day knows she and the team, led by stadium manager Karen McMillan, have another busy week ahead of them.

“We’re really looking forward to the Coral 100 Champion Stakes Final on Friday, with it being our biggest Cat One of the year, worth £20,000 to the winner – and dedicating it to 100 years of Coral which makes it even more special,” said Day.

“We were all gutted to see Newinn Jolly withdrawn and feel for connections, but welfare must come first so we are wishing him the best and look forward to seeing him back at London Road again soon,” added Day of the news that a urine infection has ruled out Kim Billingham’s runner from a crack at the showpiece final.

“It’s certainly all go at Romford in preparation for Friday,” continued Day. “Little touches like balloons, photo frames, rosettes, chocolates, pens – and more – make the difference, and all very worth it to make the night that bit more memorable. It’s going to be a great final and we look forward to welcoming everyone – hounds and people alike!”

Fastest semi-final winner was the Kelly Wilton-trained Grouchos Gregor who raced to an all-the-way victory in the third semi-final, leading home Fortanach Col for a brilliant one-two for the Nottingham trainer. The winning time was 35.36sec (-20), with the runner-up now eyeing a third Category One success after scoring wins in both the Time 3 Steps To Victory at Sheffield and Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore.

The other semi-finals were won by the Paul Young-trained Bubbly Holly who led home the unfortunate Newinn Jolly (Kim Billingham-Hine) in the first semi in 35.95sec (-20) and the John Mullins-trained Aayamza Legend in 35.75sec (-20), the latter crossing the line clear of Don Cici (David Mullins) in the second semi.

 

Photo: Romford Stadium