A retired bricklayer turned professional greyhound trainer could win his second Category One prize in as many months on Saturday when running two in the £12,500 Laurels final at Perry Barr.
Kevin Ferguson qualified littermates Acomb Felix and Acomb Irene for the 90th running of The Laurels - one of UK greyhound racing’s most historic competitions which returns to the Birmingham venue for a fourth successive year.
It comes less than a month after the York-based trainer experienced his most successful night in the sport at Nottingham when Acomb Felix led home a Yorkshire one-two-three in the final of the BGBF British Breeders’ Stakes.
Qualifying for The Laurels final runs in the bloodlines of Kevin’s two finalists, whose dad – Hiya Butt – won the competition in 2016.
Kevin is now hoping he can go back-to-back and follow in the footsteps of legendary trainers Charlie Lister OBE and Nick Savva who have previously lifted The Laurels trophy.
“I was quietly confident we’d qualify one for the final,” said Kevin. “But to have Felix and Irene both in with a chance is a real bonus.
“Irene loves the track and has a perfect four wins from four runs record. Her draw is lovely too. There isn’t so much early pace in trap five (Brickwork Ruck) which will work in her favour and everything on paper suggests she should get a nice clear run.
“We couldn’t have drawn it better ourselves if we tried as Felix needs to be on the inside in trap one. I think he has a better chance than what the pundits are suggesting. If he gets to the first bend in front, he can win no doubt about it.”
Joining the Acomb pair in Saturday’s final are Phil Barlow’s Wicky Hiker and Brickwork Ruck plus local hope Kilwest Ranger who runs for Paul Harmes. English Greyhound Derby winning trainer Kevin Hutton has a lively chance too with Jet Stream Angel, who enters the final with an unbeaten record.
Supporting Kevin on the night will be wife Jackie and daughter Eleanor plus his kennel hands and friends. The eldest of eight children, two of Kevin’s brothers will tune in from across the Channel while on a trip in Belgium.
“We can’t all be trackside on Saturday but there’ll be a strong turnout,” said Kevin.
“We worked all our lives to try and find a Category One winner and achieved that last month at Nottingham. To win two in as many months would be even more special.
“It won’t be easy. Kilwest Ranger in trap six is a danger and Jet Stream Angel’s record speaks for itself.
“Wicky Hiker posted one of the fastest times of the competition in Round One as well so they’re all there on merit.”
The 2024 Laurels Grand Final takes place at 9.14pm at Perry Barr Stadium on Saturday. Twelve races are scheduled on the night with the first due off at 7.11pm.
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2024 Laurels Grand Final: Acomb Felix, Wicky Hiker, Jet Stream Angel, Acomb Irene, Brickwork Ruck, Kilwest Ranger.
