Newcastle Greyhound Stadium wished one of the stars of its track a happy retirement after he ran his 250th race this week.

Greyhound superstar Queenies Tommy, who has raced at the stadium since 2016, is now looking forward to life in retirement.

Six-year-old Tommy has had a happy and successful racing career. Trained and looked after by Stuart Ray, Tommy has enjoyed his weekly trips to the stadium but now after 250 races is ready to settle into retired life on the sofa.

To mark his retirement, Newcastle Greyhound Stadium named his last race ‘Happy Retirement Queenies Tommy 250 Up Trophy’ as a tribute to the star who has brought so much joy to racing fans across the country. Tommy was also presented with a special jacket, a velvet bed and a box of treats to commemorate his career.

Tommy will be going home with New Forest based Liz Fox, who has owned several greyhounds bred by Stuart, including Tommy’s mother, Queen Jeanie, who passed away recently at the age of 15. Tommy will enjoy retired life with his half-brother, Queenies Three.

Commenting on Queenies Tommy’s retirement, Greyhound Trainer Stuart Ray said:

“Tommy is a wonderful greyhound and is a firm kennel favourite. It has been a delight to watch him achieve his potential on the track and, having bred and schooled him myself, I have enjoyed being there every step of the way. It is wonderful to know that he is off to have a great retirement with Liz where I know he will be treated like a king.”

Ian Walton, General Manager at Newcastle Greyhound Stadium, said:

“We were absolutely delighted to give Queenies Tommy the send-off he deserves this week for his 250th race. He is an incredible dog, both on and off the track and he is running as well now as he has ever done.

“Every time he arrived at the track with Stuart he jumped out of the van, tail-wagging and you could just tell how much he just wanted to get out on the track to race. He has loved every second of his career and was a very familiar face at the track – our staff will miss him but we all wish him a long and happy retirement.”