Central Park will host one of the most highly anticipated competition finals in greyhound racing on Saturday with the 26th running of the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby.
And one owner from Maidstone is hoping to scoop the £20,000 first prize for the second year running with champion racer Headford Dane.
Jack Russell formed the JR Racing Syndicate which celebrated its first Category One triumph at the Sittingbourne venue 12 months ago when Droopys Display sprung a surprise to win the 2024 renewal of the Kent Derby priced 18-1.
Although last year’s champion failed to qualify past the heats this year, the JR Racing Syndicate can still defend their crown with Puppy Cup and Gold Cup hero Headford Dane who is hoping to extend his perfect Category One competition record to three from three.
The August ’23 superstar faces tough opposition, though.
Gymcrack runner-up Romeo Tomcat and English Greyhound Derby finalist Bombay Pat have too qualified for Saturday’s final, plus John Mullins’ Acejukeboxpopper. Richard Rees – who won the competition in 2023 with Churchfield Syd – has two runners in the race, Zenith Imminent and Texas Jack.
Jack, co-owner of Headford Dane, said he’s desperate to win Kent’s most prestigious race again.
“It would be amazing if we could go back-to-back,” said Jack. “Central Park is my local track, and we’d love to defend our title.
“It’s a quality field, though, and I think the six best performing greyhounds in the last fortnight have earned their spot in the race.
“We were praying to be drawn in trap three as he runs the track straight down the middle. So to be drawn there is a real bonus, but I think we need to go around the first bend in front to stand a chance.
“I struggle to see how we’d pick up a couple of the greyhounds in the race if we were to be trailing them early, so a good start is key.
“The Kent Derby has provided me as a greyhound racing enthusiast with some fantastic memories over the years. Churchfield Syd winning in 2023 sticks out for me, and obviously our success in front of King Memphis 12 months ago.
“It’s an open final featuring some very talented greyhounds and we’re thrilled to be in the mix.”
Saturday’s card features 13 live races, starting from 5.25pm. To mark Central Park’s biggest race night, the track is opening its doors for free to all racegoers with those who book online in advance also able to claim a free drink on arrival.
Doors open at 4pm with tickets available online via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk. The night also features two Category Three finals – the PGR Sprint Trophy and Bitches Trophy.
2025 Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby: Acejukeboxpopper, Zenith Imminent, Headford Dane, Romeo Tomcat, Texas Jack, Bombay Pat.
