Celebrations were aplenty at Perry Barr Stadium on Saturday evening when Kilwest Ranger won the 90th running of the Arena Racing Company Laurels to the delight of his owners.
Priced 66/1 before the competition started, Paul Harmes’ October ’21 dog scooped the £12,500 first prize for his trainer and owner John McGrath who travelled from Cheshire with family and friends especially for the race.
After breaking quickly, Kilwest Ranger established a three-length lead down the backstraight before holding off Kevin Hutton’s Jet Stream Angel and Phil Barlow’s Brickwork Ruck who finished second and third respectively.
Kevin Ferguson’s littermates Acomb Felix and Acomb Irene finished fourth and fifth while Wicky Hiker ended the race sixth.
For Kilwest Ranger’s owner John, his dog’s triumph marked a new achievement despite a lifetime of involvement in the sport. And emotions were running high in the presentation area with Paul celebrating his first Category One success as a trainer – an achievement made even more remarkable given he has only five greyhounds in his kennel.
“We’re absolutely amazed – words just do not describe how we feel,” said John. “He’s done the business and is a terrific dog, we’re so made up.
“We were confident, but the race was very strong and the track was on the slow side which wouldn’t have played to his strengths. But he’s got his head in front which is fantastic.
“Paul Harmes told us three months ago that he would win The Laurels. He never, ever, doubted it – and he wasn’t wrong.
“He has only raced over four bends three times in the UK before tonight – to put that performance in tonight against top class dogs was sensational. We are over the moon!”
Kilwest Ranger wasn’t the only greyhound attached to Perry Barr to win across a quality card of open racing.
Bower Linda held off No Better Feelin’ by a short-head to win the Arena Racing Company Puppy while Julie Bateson’s Narcos Pablo won The Motorpoint Please Trophy. The Pux Hype Wedding Chase went the way of William Russell’s Magical Bluebear and Darley Diglake was an eye-catching winner of the Arena Racing Company British Bred Standard.
Other Open Race winners on the night include Rioja Maxi for Kevin Hutton, Brian Thompson’s Vixons Filofax and Pat Doocey’s Longacres Porto.
Greyhound racing continues every Wednesday and Saturday night at Perry Barr Stadium through 2024. First race on Wednesday evenings begins at 5.49pm with Saturday racing starting at 7.11pm.
Further information plus trackside packages and restaurant reservations can be made by clicking here.
