By Jonathan HobbsGreyhound racing at Romford has come a long way since 1929 when a small group of enthusiasts staged races behind a hare driven by the engine of an old Ford motor car, but the name of the game has always been about crossing the line in front and another bumper Friday night crowd will be cheering on their runners tonight!
A trappy card features a host of good clashes, not least in heat one of the Romford Friday Night 500 Standard where Fratton Bark will be popular. He's been winning for fun, including bagging a stakes win at Harlow, and goes well if breaking. However, clearing David Mullins' Silver Salver finalist Droopys Standard (7.27) might not be straightforward.
Gemma Evans has a number of chances and her Droopys Stairway (8.19) looks well drawn on the outside in his heat of the Romford Friday Night 500 Stayers. He definitely has first-run potential and can add to a long list of successes with another exhibition show of front-running perhaps enough to lead home Essex Vase hero Roxys Bullet.
Untold Paanga (8.36) is difficult to get away from in his heat of the Romford Friday Night 500 Stayers given his Coronation Cup form. This well-drawn sort gets a rare chance of the inside-box and, on her form behind New Destiny through that Category One event, might have too much in his armour to beat kennelmate Pomba Jake.
Paul Young could be on the mark with Droopys Dreamy (9.28) in the penultimate contest - a 400m maiden event - after a series of smart efforts in defeat. He remains a lightly raced youngster who will be looking to make the most of a plum rails slot - hoping to make his rivals see red, albeit catching Kenzo or Yahoo Lolls might be needed.
*CATCH a look at the semi-finals of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester tomorrow. The destination of the £175,000 prize remains in the balance, as does the battle between the English and Irish-trained runners in the semi-finals with three from each side in both semis. Places in the world's greatest greyhound races are up for grabs!
Romford Racers
Droopys Standard (7.27)
Droopys Stairway (8.19)
Untold Paanga (8.36)
Droopys Dreamy (9.28)
At the same time Djokovic and Alcaraz will be serving it up at Wimbledon, but before England (hopefully!) give it to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, greyhound fans can enjoy six superb Genco Group Juvenile Classic heats over 500m at Towcester.
AS promised, the canine action really does hot up post-English Greyhound Derby and tonight is as good an example as any.
If last week was the calm after the storm of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby - and, yes, we are claiming the winner in De Lahdedah, one of our ante-post selections - there's no question the action hots up again this week.
Sunderland remembers one of greyhound racing's greats tonight with a memorial meeting for Harry Williams, the legendary owner, trainer and breeder - and track saver.
Australia