MARK ARKELL, Romford’s racing manager, says Friday’s final of the Coral Golden Sprint at the London Road venue is among the most open in the competition’s 30-year plus history – giving a chance to any of the six finalists to plunder the £10,000 first prize

“It’s wide-open, up with the most competitive that we’ve ever had here at Romford,” he said. “Every greyhound looks to have a case and we’re hopeful of a fantastic race for the Coral Golden Sprint Final, a great race to watch for those at the track or at home.

“What’s also good is that we have six different trainers represented in this year’s main event – and there’s local interest, too, with Yvonne Gaskin’s Seaglass Shadow. Well done to her but also Patrick Janssens, Mark Wallis, Kevin Hutton, Paul Burr and Mark Fenwick.

“Of course, it’s not just about the Golden Sprint on Friday because we have two other finals, with the Category Two BGBF British Bred Maidens over 400m and our usual Friday Night 500 over 575m. They’re two good races, too.”

However, the Coral Golden Sprint Final will take centre-stage with the Mark Fenwick-trained Kenton Ten lining up as the fastest semi-final winner after he followed up his heat success with another fluent victory in the second semi.

Breaking smartly, the Frostys Bar Syndicate-owned runner was never headed as he led at the first bend and won by three and a quarter lengths from Goldies Hoddle (Patrick Janssens) in 24.26sec (-20) to retain his unbeaten record in the Category One competition.

Swift Sabbath had earlier maintained his own unbeaten run through to the final as Paul Burr’s Yarmouth raider, a real Romford specialist, powered to the front approaching the final turn to win by half a length from Seaglass Shadow (Yvonne Gaskin) in 24.46sec (-20).

The third semi-final saw the Kevin Hutton-trained Badminton Donal regain the winning thread. Beaten in the heats after an impressive 23.91sec comeback victory before the event started, the Romford Puppy Cup finalist paced up to lead at the bend in his semi.

Keeping up the gallop the two year-old stopped the clock in 24.44sec (-20) as he finished a length and a quarter ahead of staying-on Tiffield Blueboy (Mark Wallis) – much to the delight of the winner’s part-owner Stephen Harvey.

Harvey, who shares the son of Ballymac Vic with trainer Kevin Hutton, said: “It’s fantastic Donal’s made the final given a slight problem he had between the heats and semis. We thought he had semi-bounced after winning so well the week before.

“However Kevin’s friend, the trainer and physio Martin Lanney, was across and immediately identified Donal had got caught up in his neck and shoulders which, Martin felt, had been caused by him charging the traps the previous week.

“He manipulated Donal and freed him up and Kevin says he was doing cartwheels afterwards, so we certainly hoped he’d improve – and so it proved. It was a great job done by the kennel and he’s now in great order ahead of the final.

“Apparently he’s even had a shower and shampoo! You really have to admire the dedication and effort that goes into the care and performances of these superb athletes, so well done to Kevin and Donna and all the team.”

Trap draw and form for Friday’s finals: www.romfordgreyhoundstadium.co.uk/result/racecardform/2020/03/13racecardform1.pdf

*GBGB statement on Kenton Ten: www.gbgb.org.uk/gbgb-statement-kenton-ten/