Mickys Barrett is a people’s champion with a story away from the track that matches his undoubted talent on it. Purchased by a syndicate of friends to run in honour of their much loved and dearly missed friend Micky Barrett he has honoured him in a huge way. Mickys started his life off in A2 and A3 grades at Nottingham but it soon became apparent that this was a greyhound destined for much bigger things. He came to the attention of a much wider public with some stunning performances at Newcastle on route to reaching the final of the Northern Flat at the track and by the time of the English Derby at Towcester Micky and his syndicate were a familiar and popular sight at trackside. Micky reached another level during the Derby with first and second round victories followed by qualifying right through to the final itself as he showed himself to be a special dog but also bringing to prominence the training talents of Nottingham based Jason Gray. You don’t reach a Derby final without both a greyhound and trainer from the very top drawer. Third place in the Select Stakes came next and though the Eclipse came a little soon after a short spell off the track Mickys still performed with huge credit only going out in the worst possible position with a third place semi final finish. The All England Cup was soon to be on the agenda however with a now fully fit Mickys eyeing up a category one victory at a track he had already proven a love for. As usual he didn’t let himself , his owners or his trainer down with a scintillating final performance where he soon led on his way to a totally dominant 5 1/2 length victory in 2855(-20) to land both a much deserved first category one success for himself and for his trainer.
A delighted Jason Gray said “I’ve not had much sleep it was around 3am by the time we got back the kennel. We’re all absolutely buzzing though the dog deserves this and nobody can call him a nearly dog now he’s backed up some super performances throughout the year by landing one of the biggest competitions around. I’m delighted for Mickys and all his owners who have been a pleasure to deal with from day one. This has been a big learning experience for myself throughout the year as he’s by far and away the best dog I’ve had to handle and I just hope I’ve done him and myself proud. Maybe the Eclipse just came a week too soon but being at his home track we had to go for it and the competition has put him spot on for this. Once he just got around the bend in front I knew it should be all over I couldn’t have had him any better. It rounds off what’s been a super year for us all in the best possible fashion and I’d just like to place on record my thanks to everybody who has shown us support and of course to everybody at Newcastle and the sponsors“.
Jason Gray with Mickys Barrett (Photo @NewcastleDogs)
Mickys Barrett with his loyal and jubilant connections (photo @NewcastleDogs)
