With the hazy days of Summer now a distant memory, Perry Barr’s mini Festival of Racing is very much on the horizon, with the Arena Racing Company St Leger and the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory Of Michael Lambe Senior undoubtedly the highlights of the Birmingham track’s open race portfolio writes Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal.
Both events will benefit from enhanced prize money in 2021, with the St Leger boasting a total fund of £17,250, of which the winner will receive £10,000 (runner up £1,000, others £500).
The Birmingham Cup has been upgraded to Category 1 status for 2021, with its total fund raised to £13,450, of which the winner will receive £6,500 (runner up £1,000, others £500), a move certainly befitting both its status and heritage. 18 dog 275m Sprint and 480m Puppy Cat 3 events complete the overall package.
Arena Racing have taken over the sponsorship of the stayers’ classic this year, increasing and enhancing their commitment to both the St Leger and greyhound racing, and it is also extremely welcome news that Perry Barr trainer John Lambe has confirmed a five year sponsorship package for the Birmingham Cup in memory of his late father, up to and including 2024. Such gestures are a real shot in the arm for both Perry Barr and the sport itself, and our heartfelt thanks are extended to John for his generosity.
Interest in both Cat 1 events has been gathering pace over the past couple of weeks, with Dave Mullins typically quick off the mark last month giving trials to Kishlawn Shakira, Ballymac Trend and Coolavanny Lilly, all three acquitting themselves well in their first look at the track.
Theresa Dornan and Gary Ferguson made the long journey to Perry Barr to give a few of their charges a sighter of the circuit at the end of August, with the Falkirk handler’s inmates looking in particularly rude health, none more so than Duke De Janerio who stopped the clock in a rapid 28.24 over 480m.
Others to have paid us a visit in recent days include Nathan Hunt, whose Chelms Switch caught the eye, Gary Griffiths, Alan Jenkins, Steve Rayner, Angie Kibble, Phil Barlow and Simon Harms, whose Deadly Do Lago was a semi finalist in the 2020 St Leger.
Trial spaces are certainly at a premium in the next couple of weeks. On Saturday morning Mark Wallis trialed Bo Shine Bullet, Aayamza Royale and Bombardier amongst others. Bullet clocked a very impressive 28.65 when beating her kennelmate by three length.
John Mullins brought a trio of which Burgess Elite impressed. As did Chris Fereday’s Guiri Steve clocked a joint fastest of session.
Space Jet (Matt Dartnall), Hilight Arkle (Richard Rees) and Dualla Prince (June McCombe) are other class acts trialling on Tuesday 7th, whilst Angela Harrison and Kevin Hutton will be giving their teams a look round on Thursday 9th, as will Stuart Tighe (Minglers Popeye), accompanied by the Wizard of Wickford once again (Tenpin, Troy Firebird).
Trial stakes have been advertised for both Cat 1 events for Thursday 9th September, with the first rounds kicking off the following week, Thursday 16th September. Connections are reminded that all greyhounds must have completed a race or trial at Perry Barr before the closing date of any of the track’s advertised open races, and are advised to allow additional journey time in view of the extensive roadworks currently in place in the city in advance of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
