A professional greyhound trainer who took over the family business at the turn of the millennium is dreaming of Category One glory in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks.
John Lambe cares for 40 greyhounds at his kennels in Kingsbury, based only 12 miles from his local track Perry Barr which will host the Oaks – one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions – for a third successive year.
The event has attracted 61 entries and will be held over four successive Saturdays with a three-stage qualifying process determining six finalists who will race for the £20,000 first prize.
Lambe is responsible for two of the declared runners with rising star Swift Paloma running in Heat 10 while two-year-old Rosshill Dana will line-up in Heat Nine. Placing in the first three of each race will ensure both greyhounds’ participation in Round Two.
Five years have passed since Lambe landed his first Category One prize with Affane Party in the 2018 East Anglian Derby Final. And while his pair will have to upset the odds to reach the final on Saturday, October 28, the midlands handler hopes local knowledge can work in his favour.
“This is our FA Cup,” said Lambe. “It’s one of the most prestigious and historic competitions in greyhound racing and every trainer wants to win it.
“We’re fortunate to have it on our doorstep and to be represented by two of our own stars is even better.
“Rosshill Dana is a really promising greyhound and has shown tremendous ability in her races to date. Initially, the Oaks wasn’t her target. But she clocked a fantastic time over the 480m trip on Tuesday which we thought merited an entry.
“She has exceptional early pace which she’ll be relying on as the Oaks is seriously competitive. Swift Paloma has the complete opposite running style and is more of a stayer.
“We’re excited by her potential and while this is her toughest test to date, we’re hoping she can deliver a good performance.”
Other key contenders confirmed for this year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks are 2023 Produce Stakes champion Queen Joni, trained by Kent-based Elizabeth McNair.
Irish trainer Robert Gleeson will cross the Irish sea with recent Category One champion Droopys Mandolin while defending champion Patrick Janssens is represented by Empress Stakes finalist Charming Girl.
Round One of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr Stadium begins at 6.26pm on Saturday, October 7. Doors open at 5.30pm and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
