Two-times Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat winner Jimmy Fenwick is targeting an unprecedented hat-trick with Gymcrack hero Elusivenomore ahead of Thursday’s semifinals.
The Ashington handler is bidding to do what no trainer has achieved before in the competition’s 98-year history by winning it three times in a row after lifting the trophy with Brookside Richie in 2023 and Wicky Ned a year later.
Jimmy’s hat-trick hopes are pinned on 23-month-old Elusivenomore who burst onto the scene in April when upsetting the odds to win the £17,500 Gymcrack at Sheffield, priced 12/1.
The fawn pup is unbeaten at Newcastle thus far in three runs. But Thursday’s semifinals represent his toughest task yet where a top two finish will book his spot in next week’s £12,500 final.
“He’s got his draw in trap two, but the key to the race is the early pace on his inside,” said Jimmy.
“Really, we’re going to have to trap in front of Naochra in trap one and get to the rail at the bend.
“We’d expect to lead Droopys Bookem in trap three, but out even wider you have Hollyhill Gonzo who clocked a 4.39 sectional last week which is world class. If we can get to the bend on the inside, we have a great chance of qualifying.
“He obviously won the Gymcrack, and has followed that up with a Category Three competition win at Newcastle so we know he runs the track well.”
Elsewhere on the card, Jimmy is represented by four greyhounds in the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Angel of the North semifinals.
Coppice Saphire, Skeard Josie, Annadown Alice and Ballymac Camilla have been spread across each of the three semifinals, and Jimmy is hopeful of reaching next Thursday’s Category Two final.
“Coppice Saphire knows the track really well, and is a great bitch for us,” said Jimmy. “She was brave at the bend last week and chased Killieford Hanna down well, who’s great over six bends.
“Bluebell Teddy on her inside has a lot of early pace, and could be a hazard. She’ll need to be clever at the first bend.
“For Skeard Josie the competition has probably come a month too quick. But Annadown Alice on her outside has the ability to break well and lead with a bit of luck.
“(Ballymac) Camilla has a great draw in trap four, and was unlucky not to win her heat last week when running into traffic. On her day, she can put up a good time.”
The kennel was also represented in Ireland at the weekend when 2024 GBGB Greyhound of the Year Wicky Ned represented England in the €20,000 Time Greyhound Nutrition Dundalk International Open.
After a lightning start, Wicky Ned moved wide at the first bend and was chased down by 2025 English Greyhound Derby fourth Cheap Sandwiches to finish second.
“It was a great experience,” said Jimmy. “But he was a touch unlucky in running.
“He broke well, but hit the rail and moved out wide on the first bend where he bumped into Daleroad Duke in trap three.
“He was hassled down the back straight and lost his stride slightly and rallied well at the end.
“We were pleased with his performance, though. And to scoop €6,000 for finishing second is great for the team.”
Tickets for the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat semifinals at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday, July 17, can be purchased online or on the door from £9. Doors open at 5.45pm, with the first race off at 6.37pm.
