NOTTINGHAM is readying itself to create history on Saturday when the Colwick Park venue becomes the fifth track to stage The Greyhound Derby Final, the sport’s biggest event.

Following on from White City (1927-1984), Harringay (1940), Wimbledon (1985-2016) and Towcester (2017-18), Nottingham hosts the 2019 running of the Star Sports, Arc and LPS-backed showpiece this weekend.

Six weeks of top-class canine action will come to a conclusion with the £100,000-to-the-winner decider over 500m with four Irish finalists and two UK-based runners making up the decider, which is due off at 9.10pm.

Preparations at the track have stepped up a gear this week with a marquee now in place close to the main entrance and by the first bend. This hospitality area is now sold out, as is the restaurant and general trackside admission.

“The only spaces available now are in the Star Sports Corner, by the second bend,” said Nathan Corden, Nottingham director. “Anyone wishing to come along are advised to contact us as soon as possible so electronic tickets can be issued.”

The all-ticket affair is a 15-race programme. Doors open at 5pm and racegoers will be treated to a top-class card with four other Category Two finals, a host of valuable one-off races, and the famous Dorando Marathon bringing the curtain down on the night.

“We’ve a mixture of everything on the night – the supporting finals for which we are grateful to our sponsors RPGTV and JPW for backing – plus individually sponsored races we have for the British-bred, seniors, pups and stayers. Again a big thanks to all our sponsors.”

An Anglo-Irish contest on the night is being named in honour of the late Nottingham promoter and leading owner Terry Corden, father of Nottingham directors Rachel and Nathan Corden, and that promises to be a special event.

“Dad loved The Greyhound Derby and he would have been delighted that Nottingham are hosting it,” said Rachel Corden. “Greyhound racing was his passion and he’d have enjoyed the way the event has unfolded from a track record in the heats to Saturday’s final.

“For us, the Greyhound Derby is all about our magnificent canine athletes that grace the sand. Our staff have worked tirelessly to make conditions as perfect as possible for them, their owners and trainers. We are looking forward to a great night.”

Form for the Star Sports, Arc and LPS Greyhound Derby Final card: www.bagsracing.com/assets/29-june—nottingham-final.pdf

 

Further information: www.nottinghamdogs.com