Barry O’Sullivan had a night to remember on Saturday when reaching the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch semi finals – a competition his father attended before World War II.
The Fawkham-based professional trainer qualified kennel stars Head Count and Harlequin Ocean for Saturday’s fixture at Central Park Stadium in Sittingbourne where the six runners for the following week’s £12,500 final will be confirmed.
Reaching the semi finals marked new territory for Barry who has never advanced past the heats in the Cesarewitch. And qualifying for the final would be particularly poignant given the competition was inaugurated at his father’s local track while he was a youngster – West Ham Stadium – in 1928.
Both of Barry’s greyhounds have been drawn in Semi Final Two against Champys Girl, Unanimous Madam, last year’s finalist Alright Gordy and recent George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final fourth Breton Molly.
Despite the quality opposition, Barry is hopeful of reaching his first Cesarewitch final.
“She (Head Count) ran a really good race in her heat,” said Barry. “I’m delighted for the owners because they’ve supported our kennel for many years, and this is probably the fastest greyhound they have owned.
“We thought the step up in trip would suit her as she finished second in a Category Two competition at Oxford before Christmas where she ran on well over a shorter trip.
“I think there’s still more to come from her. We’re happy with her semi final draw as she does tend to pick up a lot of speed running to the bend so fingers crossed we can be there in front.
“Harlequin (Ocean) delivered a career best to qualify as well so it was a good night for the kennel.
“We’ve never reached the final of the Cesarewitch. Doing so would mean a lot as the competition started at West Ham where my father had runners way back in the 1940s – we’re hopeful of a good outcome.”
Elsewhere, Marden-based Tom Levers also qualified for the semi finals with Bombay Zorba who clocked 44.98 seconds when finishing third in Heat Three. Walderslade’s Daniel Brabon also features in Saturday’s semis with Ballycowen Harry who runs in Semi Final Three.
Last year’s champion Garfiney Blaze comfortably qualified by winning Heat Six in 44.04 seconds. However, Sean Parker’s Droopys Flare went quickest and set a new track record when clocking 43.87 seconds in Heat Four.
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant availability for the semi finals of the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch are available to book online by clicking here. Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch: Semi Final draw
Semi Final One: Bombay Zorba, HopieHopieHopie, Fabulous Heka, Droopys Flotilla, Droopys Flare, Alright Patricia.
Semi Final Two: Champys Girl, Head Count, Unanimous Madam, Breton Molly, Harlequin Ocean, Alright Gordy.
Semi Final Three: Swift Giddy, Garfiney Blaze, Coonough Crow, Droopys Vivacity, Ballycowen Harry, Bright Jewel.
