DUNSTALL PARK racing manager Martin Seal was delighted how Saturday’s big-race double-header went but after the finals of the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup and Arena Racing Company Stayers there is no resting on their laurels at Wolverhampton Racecourse!

Friday sees the 100 Years On Track centenary celebrations, commemorating the first meeting at Belle Vue on July 24, 1926, with six races – each worth £1,926 with others £192.60 – highlighting a gala night’s entertainment with a 1920s theme and various historical artefacts being on show and curated by the GBGB.

And some of the stars of the weekend’s big meeting – featuring Category One and Two finals – are back at Dunstall Park on Friday. These include the Maxine Locke-trained first and second in the supporting Arc Stayers with winner Droopys Scratch and runner-up Bluejig Outlaw going against each other again over six bends.

Droopys Scratch, a November 2023 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Queen Lilly, paced up well to take over from the fast-starting pair of Venetian Mick (Kevin Hutton) and Eagles Respect (Angie Kibble) off the second bend and set sail for home. 

Kennelmate Bluejig Outlaw ran on well to complete the Locke one-two in the 660m feature, two and a quarter lengths behind the 39.63sec (normal) winner, and holding the rallying Venetian Mick  a further short-head back in third.

“It was a good ARC Stayers final and a great credit to Maxine’s (Locke) kennel to get the one-two,” said Seal. “Droopys Scratch definitely saved her best for last in the event and fully deserved the victory – and it’s great to see the first, second and third in the final back for the 660m race here on Friday.

“Thanks to all those trainers who entered runners and apologies to those who missed out. It’s been a unique experience collating a six-race card and we’ve got some brilliant greyhounds on show.

“Everyone knows we had a tougher time filling the marathon which might have something to do with the TV Trophy winner Droopys Rated being entered, but we got there in the end and thanks again in particular to those trainers for their interest in that race especially.

“We’re all looking forward to Friday and hopefully the weather’s better this Friday than it was on July 24, 1926 – I’m told from the history books it rained that day!”