SLINGSHOT POPPY put down a serious marker for the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic with a fastest-of-the-night 26.78sec (normal) heat success at Sunderland on Friday – paving the way for a crunch clash with ante-post favourite Romeo Steel in this week’s semi-finals.

Already winner of the Arena Racing Company Puppy Trophy at the north east track earlier this year, the Brian Fairbairn-trained Slingshot Poppy, a October 2023 daughter of Grangeview Ten, maintained her unbeaten UK record as a fast start laid the foundations for a six and a quarter lengths win over Unanimous Leon (Tom Heilbron).

Romeo Steel also kicked off his Classic campaign in impressive style as Patrick Janssens’ Yarmouth Derby and Steel City Cup winner powered away off the back of a slick exit on his way to a three and three-quarter lengths win over Santas Amigo (David Mullins) in 27.02sec (normal) for the 450m trip.

Tom Heilbron struck with a double in the heats with Madabout Peck racing away early for a 14-1 success over Bockos Buster (Kevin Boon) in heat four, clocking 27.18sec (normal), before Deerjet Rocket rounded off proceedings in heat six with his flying finish denying longtime leader Sunnyside Gurkha (Ted Soppitt) in 27.27sec.

The other heats went to Angela Harrison’s near senior Coolavanny Mercy who rolled back the years in heat three with a 27.56sec (normal) trap-to-line success over Carrick Fergie (William Hamilton) and Ted Soppitt’s Sunnyside Jayden who also made all in the opening heat, clocking 27.24sec (normal) when edging Brindle Bully (David Mullins).

Reflecting on the heats and a busy time of the year at the Wearside track, Sunderland general manager Joanne Wilson said: “It was a fantastic start to the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic and there’s plenty to play for heading into this week’s semis.

“We expect another terrific atmosphere for our weekly opens here. Sunderland has a real buzz every weekend with the open races we stage and it’s fantastic to see trainers travelling here to compete for one of the sport’s biggest prizes.

“These are busy but exciting times for Sunderland with all the Christmas party preparations and, following the success of our Halloween-themed family event, we are hosting a Christmas family race night on Tuesday, December 9, and Father Christmas has promised to make a guest appearance!

“We’ll also, of course, have a few Santa Paws in attendance to meet and greet everyone!

“We love showcasing our athletes and the work my team, including trainers and kennelhands put in, is great to see. Our homing co-ordinator Jo-Anna works tirelessly with our magnificent homing partners to find our retired greyhounds their perfect homes.”

Trap draw for Friday’s semis:-

First semi: 1 Salacres Senan, 2 Bouncing Monarch, 3 Droopys Sort, 4 Carrick Fergie, 5 Sunnyside Gurkha (m), 6 Santas Amigo (m).

Second semi: 1 Deerjet Rocket, 2 Bockos Buster, 3 Sunnyside Jayden, 4 Ballymac Deboss (m), 5 Whitehills Titan (m), 6 Brindle Bully (w).

Third semi: 1 Romeo Steel, 2 No Better Feelin, 3 Unanimous Leon, 4 Slingshot Poppy (m), 5 Madabout Peck (m), 6 Coolavanny Mercy (w).