Professional greyhound trainer Spencer Mavrias could have a pair of reasons to be cheerful this month after entering two of his stars in the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver.
The 56-year-old became a father for the first time only weeks ago when partner Sharna gave birth to their daughter Sophia-Rose.
And while welcoming his firstborn into the world will be impossible to match, the Canterbury-based handler has two chances of winning Central Park’s latest category one competition which begins on Saturday night.
King Pavarotti and newcomer Kanturk Fuisce will run in heats three and four respectively where a top three finish would book each greyhound’s place in the following week’s semifinals.
With £12,500 available to the winner, Mavrias is dreaming of stepping onto the podium on finals night later this month. And there’s a family twist to the competition too as Spencer’s father – Mick – has also entered two in the competition with DancesWithWolves and Eire Force Two confirmed to run.
“It’s been an incredible few weeks,” said Spencer. “I’m not sure winning the Silver Salver would top becoming a father, but it would be a nice bonus!
“My parents were a huge help when I got started on my own, and now we’re going head-to-head so it should be fun.
“(King) Pavarotti is a seriously big greyhound. He’s turned into a man recently and the sprint distance might not be his ideal trip but he can hold his own in the top sprint division.
“Kanturk Fuisce is a new greyhound to the kennel. He’s had a trial and a couple of runs where most recently he was crowded running into the first bend.
“He’s got a tough draw, but he is the unknown quantity of our kennel. He could pop out and run a great race, we just don’t know, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed that both can run well and advance to the semifinals.”
The competition attracted a record 39 entries this year.
Among those hoping to scoop UK greyhound racing’s premier sprint competition are defending champion Magical Bluebear and Scurry Gold Cup hero Rioja Oisin.
Paul Donovan, who won the competition in 2022 with Tintreach Jet, has one runner with Tintreach Miley confirmed for heat two.
Tickets for Saturday’s heats of the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver are available from £8 by visiting www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver heats:
Heat One: DancesWithWolves, Abbeyside Crypto, King Jackson, Daring Hoffa, Ballinakill Liam, Blastoff Kobbie.
Heat Two: Beaming Isla, Brindle Moon, Rocket Rose, Coppice Ronnie, Tintreach Miley, Queen Dusty.
Heat Three: Westfield Bullet, Harlequin Ernie, Nice Enough, Magical Bluebear, Pavillion Team, King Pavarotti.
Heat Four: Oakfield Murty, Breaghmore Paudy, Kanturk Fuisce, Rioja Oisin, Annies Aura, King Presley.
Heat Five: Queen Sinead, Bert Ted, Droopys Rarity, Roanna Mamba, Pro Parker, Whitewood Lenny.
Heat Six: Mucky Boreen, Tullymurry Dylan, King Bono, Sehnsa Amigo, Eire Force Two, Mickys Tribute.
