Burgess Sophia will fly the flag for Kent in the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch at Central Park Stadium after she timed her run to perfection to qualify for Saturday’s £12,500 final.
Priced 300-1 to win by bookmakers at the beginning of the competition, Nick Carter’s kennel star upset the odds again when equalling her time from the previous week’s heats to advance to the Cesarewitch’s final six.
She finished behind proven Category One champions Deadly Disco – winner of the George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial final at Hove last month – and Mongys Wild, who won four major titles last year including the prestigious Television Trophy.
It’s the first time 68-year-old Central Park trainer Nick has qualified for a Category One final in seven years.
And it coincides with his 40th year in the sport after first becoming involved in the 80s through his uncle, the great Kenny Linzell who won the 1990 English Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon with Slippy Blue.
Although still priced as high as 200-1 by some bookmakers to scoop Saturday’s top prize, Nick is still clinging onto hope that Burgess Sophia can achieve the unthinkable.
“We were over the moon to reach the final,” said Nick.
“She was outpaced early, which will be the case in the final again, but just kept running on to qualify.
“Her draw for Saturday is perfect. We just need to hope for a lot of luck in running and maybe we could make the frame.
“It’s a quality final, and one we’re proud to be part of.
“Greyhound racing is a labour of love, you have to be totally committed as a trainer.
“It’s early starts and late finishes, seven days a week. I’m 68 now and still get a buzz from moments like this.
“Her owner backed her each-way at 300/1 before the competition started so if she finishes in the first four we’ll be over the moon. Regardless of the result, we’re all very proud of her.”
There was an upset in the semi-finals as favourite Mongys Wild was beaten by Richard Rees’ Deadly Disco in the first qualifier. Patrick Janssens’ Romeo Empire meanwhile beat Gemma Evans’ Princess Matilda in the second semi-final and Michelle Brown’s Crafty Prospero, who has since been withdrawn.
Tickets for Saturday’s 86th running of the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch final are free when booked online in advance via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Admission on the door on the day is priced £10.
Doors open at 4pm with the first of 13 races on the night off at 5.30pm.
2026 Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch final: Burgess Sophia, Romeo Empire, Mongys Wild, VACANT, Princess Matilda, Deadly Disco.
