A greyhound with one Open Race win to his name caused an upset by booking his spot in Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby final for one of the sport’s newest trainers.
Watcha Gotcookin landed Lingfield-based Kerry Schimmefennig her first Category One finalist only months after securing her trainer’s license in the summer.
The three-year-old black dog chased home six-times Category One champion Proper Heiress to secure the sixth and final place in Kent’s most prestigious greyhound race of the year, which is worth £20,000 to the winner.
Priced 125-1 to win the competition outright prior to Saturday’s semi-finals, Watcha Gotcookin is on track to cause one of greyhound racing’s great upsets.
And it would be an emotional success too for Kerry and her team following the death of former trainer David Puddy - who died in May following a determined battle against cancer – whose license she took over after working for him since 2023.
“There were mixed emotions when he qualified,” said Kerry.
“We were shocked, there were tears – it’s so exciting for everyone involved.
“When I took over the license, I wasn’t sure if the greyhounds would run to the level they had been previously as we moved into our own kennels and it was a total change of scenery and routine for them.
“But I’ve been proven wrong and Watcha Gotcookin ran the race of his life to qualify.”
After growing up around greyhound racing through her mother’s influence, Kerry returned to the sport by assisting Fawkham trainer Barry O’Sullivan as a parader.
She was then approach by David Puddy to work full-time as a kennel hand and hasn’t looked back since with 27 greyhounds currently in her care. Training responsibilities are split between herself plus Kerry’s niece and sister who are both employed.
Saturday’s race represents the biggest of Kerry’s short career as a trainer to date.
It also features the aforementioned Proper Heiress, ARC Puppy Classic champion Annadown Warrior and finalist Scooby Mustang plus Puppy Derby winner Underground Gold and Kent Plate champion Scooby The Lady.
Kerry added: “We’re the outsiders, but anything can happen in a final.
“We have been blown away by what he’s achieved so far in the Kent Derby. Saturday’s semi-final performance was a bonus, so this is off the scale.
“It will be a wonderful evening and we’ll have a lot of support trackside I’m sure.”
Tickets for the 2026 Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby final are free when booked online in advance, with racegoers receiving a free drink on arrival too.
Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 13 races on the night off at 5.30pm.
2026 Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby final: Proper Heiress, Annadown Warrior, Scooby Mustang, Underground Gold, Scooby The Lady, Watcha Gotcookin
