Officials & Prize Money Race 1

Trap 1 A smart local with a decent draw on the inside, chasing a hat-trick Trap 2 Moved well here in a trial last month, will taste success soon Trap 3 Can ruffle some feathers with a slick exit, game winner last week Trap 4 Has kept good company at Henlow, turns up here in good form Trap 5 Caught the eye on debut at Yarmouth, lack of a look here is a concern Trap 6 Pleasing effort first time up at Monmore, step up in trip could suit

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 3 - Hather Georgia Race 2

Trap 1 A speedy sort dropping back in trip, inside draw enhances claims Trap 2 Smart sort who has switched between 2 and 4 bends, is the one to beat Trap 3 Has been in good form at Romford, will need to be on her toes here Trap 4 Smart Sheffield sprinter with a decent strike-rate, is the main danger Trap 5 Faultless on last two appearances over course and distance, up in class Trap 6 Just the sole success to date, encouraging trial here last week

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 2 - Tasty Treat Advert Race 3

Trap 1 Produce and finalist, drawn to perfection in red Trap 2 Has been enjoying his time here recently, looking to make an early move Trap 3 Very capable on his day, would very much prefer a draw on the inside Trap 4 Fluffed the start in heat, open to plenty of improvement Trap 5 Likes to fly from the boxes and boss proceedings, chances rest on start Trap 6 A powerful tracker, caught the eye in first round of the Blue Riband

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 1 - Amka Rofe Race 4

Trap 1 Better suited to this step back up in trip, lack of a look here is a concern Trap 2 Up in trip and into the unknown, will be looking to assert early on Trap 3 Yet to confirm stamina over this demanding trip, tricky draw out in T3 Trap 4 Semi-finalist in Blue Riband, interesting stepping up in distance Trap 5 Recently finished behind T6, hard to make a case for him Trap 6 One of the better bets today, ran very well in defeat at Crayford last time

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 6 - Savana Prosecco (W) Advert Race 5

Trap 1 Won the Winter Derby last year, endured a rough ride last time out Trap 2 We are yet to see the best of him, has moved well here in trials Trap 3 Classy and versatile sort dropping back in trip, a three-time winner here Trap 4 Unbeaten in two starts at Towcester, be a brave punter to oppose him Trap 5 All action early on, only a fast start will suffice but he is capable Trap 6 No stranger to success over course and distance, great draw out wide

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 4 - Sparta Master (M) Race 6

Trap 1 Is fancied to reverse form with T6, will have the inside all to himself here Trap 2 Smart trial here last week, would be more comfortable drawn further out Trap 3 One of the top local sprinters, first appearance for almost a month Trap 4 Needs to step up on recent efforts, but has a decent draw to work from Trap 5 Trialled well on his first visit last week, open to plenty of improvement Trap 6 Took his chance well on last visit, an opportunity again if timing the start

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 1 - Ardera Nidge Covid-19 Protection Blue Riband History

The History Of The Blue Riband

The Blue Riband is one of greyhound racing’s most iconic races, so its return to the schedule of major greyhound races is a source of real pride to the management at Towcester Racecourse.

As track promoter Kevin Boothby explains, the former Wembley and Hall Green competition, last run in 2012, is very much in the hearts of greyhound fans with one of the most famous roll of honours in the sport’s history.

He said: “Growing up, the Blue Riband was one of those competitions the best greyhounds and the best trainers competed for - and wanted to win. Just look at who’s won the event. Some great names - and a wonderful history.

“Therefore, what better race to continue our intention to stage some of the biggest races in the sport? We staged the Puppy Derby here in December and, of course, will be hosting the Greyhound Derby in the summer among other top competitions here.

“These are tough times for everyone and certainly for business, but our commitment to greyhound racing is strong and by staging the Blue Riband we are underlining that. It’s a magnificent throwback to some great days - and we intend to replicate those.”

First staged at Wembley in 1981, victory went to a greyhound by the name of Arfur Mo. He was trained by John Honeysett, then a Crayford-based handler, but very much a Wembley trainer by the time his Living Trail caused a 50-1 shock in 1984! Blue Riband History

But such moments in Wembley’s history are just part of the incredible story of the one-time Empire Stadium, which staged the Olympics in 1948 and, of course, the 1966 World Cup Final. But greyhound racing was key to its history - for many years keeping it afloat!

The was staged there, so too the Select Stakes and by the 1980s the Blue Riband was very much part of the furniture and given almost status by the greyhound cognoscenti - especially given the list of star names who won the prestigious trophy during its Wembley days.

These included Geoff De Mulder’s Fearless Champ (1986), Nick Savva’s Westmead Harry (1990), Terry Kibble’s Dempsey Duke (1992), John Coleman’s Hypnotic Stag (1993) and Barrie Draper’s He Knows (1998), the last winner beneath the Twin Towers.

The following year the Blue Riband had switched to Hall Green, Birmingham, following Wembley’s closure to become the national stadium a decade later - and Nick Savva landed the second of his three victories in the event with Droopys Merson (1999).

This brilliant tracker was part-owned by Nathan Corden, now a consultant here, so there is extra special reason for Towcester hosting the Blue Riband. Nathan has very happy memories of this great event!

Vintage Cleaner (2000) for John McGee will always be deemed a special winner as will Farloe Verdict (2003) and ’s Eye Onthe Storm (2010), all of whom broke the track record in winning their titles. Blue Riband History

Incidentally, Farloe Verdict is one of two winners for now-retired Charlie Lister OBE, who also struck with Farloe Reason in 2008.

Two years previously Westmead Joe became a third Savva-trained winner, making the legendary breeder/trainer the winningmost handler when it comes to Blue Riband history.

However, in terms of tracks Hove leads the way courtesy of Lulus Hero (1985) and Sambuca (1987) for Gunner Smith, plus Derek Knight’s Wuncross Double (1991), Gordon Hodson’s Quick Tune (1996) and Brian Clemenson’s Droopys Oasis (2004).

Faughan Rebel (Richard Yeates) represents the Sussex venue in this year’s final and takes his chance against, among others, big-race winners Kilara Lion (Patrick Janssens) and Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin), who between them have four Category One victories to their name.

Kevin Hutton, who won a Derby here at Towcester with Dorotas Wildcat (2018), is represented by Great Eastern; 11-time champion trainer Mark Wallis sends out Coolavanny Kyser, while another Classic-winning handler John Mullins aims for Blue Riband gold with Swift Lettuce.

Towcester is immensely proud to have revived another famous competition this year and our thanks go to TRC Health + Hygiene for their support.

Good luck to all the finalists and their connections. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 1 Kilara Lion Owners: Chris Crampton, Harry Crapper, David Priestley and Nigel Thomas Trainer: Patrick Janssens, Central Park

Twice a winner of a Category One event in 2020 courtesy of victory in both the Yarmouth and Kent Derbys, Kilara Lion has been nominated for the Standard Distance Performer of the Year honour at the upcoming GBGB Awards along with Greyhound Derby champion Deerjet Sydney and Newinn Jacko, one of today’s rivals. From the kennels of new champion trainer Patrick Janssens, Kilara Lion comes from a cracking litter which includes Irish Derby finalist Kilara Icon. He lines up as favourite after an unbeaten run through to today’s final, aiming for a brilliant five-timer in the process. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 2 Coolavanny Kyser Owners: Stephen Oliver, Alan Curtis and Eammon Johnston Trainer: Mark Wallis, Henlow

Representing 11-time champion trainer Mark Wallis, Coolavanny Kyser aims to land a second Blue Riband title for the boss of Imperial Kennels who struck with Eye Onthe Storm at Hall Green in 2010 - in track-record time. A winner at Limerick, Tralee and during a successful Irish career, Coolavanny Kyser also reached the semi-finals of the at Thurles. A well-bred sort, the two-year-old is a half-brother of top Irish trackers Cable Bay, Jaytee Taylor and Innocent Times, a Puppy Derby runner-up here in 2017 behind Magical Bale. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 3 Great Eastern Owners: Stephen Townsley and Seamus Lanney Trainer: Kevin Hutton, Monmore

Made a winning UK debut in January after an extensive Irish career which included making the third round of both the 2019 and 2020 Irish Derbys for Martin Lanney. Now plying his trade with Kevin Hutton, who numbers victories in both the Derby (Dorotas Wildcat) and Puppy Derby (Magical Bale) here at Towcester, Great Eastern has led in both his heat and semi-final of the Blue Riband. The May 2017 lines up as the oldest runner in today’s £7,500-to-the-winner decider, but is having just his fourth race in the UK so is open to improvement for connections. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 4 Swift Lettuce (m) Owners: Chris Waters, John and James Wright Trainer: John Mullins, Yarmouth

Twice a Category One finalist in 2020, Swift Lettuce finished third in the Monmore Puppy Derby to Newinn Jacko and behind Kilara Lion in the - so renews rivalries with some familiar foes today! Started out in A3 at Yarmouth, reaching the local Yarmouth Track Championship final in 2019 before establishing himself on the open-race scene. Later posted victories at Romford, Monmore, back at home track Yarmouth in an East Anglian Derby heat, Central Park during the Kent Derby and Nottingham where he reached the quarter-finals of the Greyhound Derby. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 5 Newinn Jacko (m) Owners: Gaskin Greyhound Partners Trainer: Ernie Gaskin, Romford

Earned a nomination for next week’s Greyhound of the Year Awards alongside Kilara Lion after two GBGB Category One victories in 2020. Newinn Jacko won the Monmore Puppy Derby and Hove titles last year, putting top-class opponents to the sword on both occasions to prove himself one of the most consistent open-racers. A half-brother of an and Irish Derby finalist in Clona Blaze, Newinn Jacko has continued that form into 2021 with a solid Blue Riband semi-final victory last week and his well known all-round speed could pose a threat today. Blue Riband Finalists

Trap 6 Faughan Rebel (w) Owners: Marios Gregori, Sandra O’Sullivan and Michael Warr Trainer: Richard Yeates, Hove

Set the standard in the heats of the event with a fastest-of-the-round 29.36sec victory and ran another superb race in the semis when finishing just a half a length behind Kilara Lion. The switch back to the striped jacket will please connections who understandably rate this Shelbourne winner highly. A competition winner at the Dublin track before embarking on his UK career when he won an A1 at Hove at the second time of asking, Faughan Rebel was crowded out in the heats of the Derby at Nottingham but returned to Colwick Park to finish third to Doolin Duke in the consolation Derby Plate. Race 7

Trap 1 Already a proven champion, good chance to add another title to his cv Trap 2 Will be looking to employ catch-me-if-you can tactics, great early speed Trap 3 Has led twice and been beaten twice here, big ask to clear T2 early on Trap 4 Had to be brave at the bend to win his semi-final, classy and experienced Trap 5 No stranger to success in big finals, needs a fast start to have any say Trap 6 Has posted the fastest time over course and distance, likely to feature

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 1 - Kilara Lion Race 8

Trap 1 Could go well at a big price, better suited to extreme distances Trap 2 Kinsley raider, significantly stepping up in trip and class without a trial Trap 3 Bred to stay an extreme distance, could outrun big odds Trap 4 Steps up in trip again, has a fair bit to find with some of these Trap 5 Landed the Dorando Marathon last year and turns up in great heart Trap 6 Top marathon performer, the further she goes the better she looks

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 6 - Aayamza Royale (W) Race 9

Trap 1 Taking a significant step up in trip, questions to answer over stamina Trap 2 Arrives here with success fresh in her memory, a likely leader early on Trap 3 Uninspiring recent form lines, capable of bouncing back though Trap 4 An unknown quantity over this distance, check the market for any clues Trap 5 A bitch in great form, has been flying home at Central Park Trap 6 Stamina remains unproven, but this represents a drop in class

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 2 - Savana Jenny Advert Race 10

Trap 1 Tardy exits from the boxes have proved costly in recent weeks Trap 2 Open to plenty of improvement, twice a winner in his last three races Trap 3 Flies into the third turn, if the gaps appear he can strike gold Trap 4 Would prefer a draw nearer to the inside, will be staying on near the line Trap 5 Don’t expect to see him early on, winds it up from halfway Trap 6 Should enjoy oceans of racing room out wide, arrives in fine form

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 3 - Lunar Prince Covid-19 Protection Advert Race 11

Trap 1 Takes a huge step up in trip, questions to answer over stamina Trap 2 Not won since debut, has been threatening a return to winner’s podium Trap 3 Better than recent form figures suggest, ran well at Henlow on Tuesday Trap 4 Has struggled to trouble the judge in recent outings, but is scopey Trap 5 Will be looking to blaze a trial, but will he stay the distance? Trap 6 Has not raced in the striped jacket for some time, fancied to go well

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 3 - Roman Drizzle Race 12

Trap 1 Kept good company at Nottingham last month, drawn to go well here Trap 2 Has showed smart early speed at Henlow, open to improvement Trap 3 Requires a market check, has landed in a winnable maiden on debut Trap 4 Beat T1 last time out at Henlow, arrives here in fine form Trap 5 Remains a maiden after four starts, but fancied to shed that tag here Trap 6 Trappy sort, making his first appearance since November

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 5 - Loggies Wanted (M) Advert Race 13

Trap 1 Won well on debut, must hold her position on the rail early doors Trap 2 Slow starts have proved his undoing in the past, interesting stepping up Trap 3 Has not raced over six bends for almost a year, will be looking to lead Trap 4 Another runner looking to assert early on, chances may rest on the start Trap 5 Ran riot here over 500m last week, must improve on poor strike-rate Trap 6 These more demanding distance will be more to his liking, big chance

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 6 - Merrymeeting Dev Race 14

Trap 1 Has been flying home in recent weeks, great chance to bag a gold medal Trap 2 Twice a winner in just five starts, a young pup open to improvement Trap 3 A winner in two of his last three, will need to be alert at lids-rise Trap 4 Questions to answer about stamina, requires a market check Trap 5 The most experienced on show here, just 1 win from 15 here Trap 6 Has shaped like a staying-type, worth chancing on from a decent draw

Clarky’s Choice: Trap 6 - Loggies Lilly (W) Advert Reserves Personal & Pet Care Range Sponsor