Two retired footballers who swapped boots for collars by establishing a professional kennel for racing greyhounds hope to win their biggest prize yet during the festive period.
Craig Armstrong and Brian Fairbairn made more than 200 professional appearances between them on the pitch, representing clubs including Aberdeen, Raith Rovers and Livingstone.
The pair took a leap into the unknown in 2023 when starting a new journey in greyhound racing, and have since won more than 100 races – including Category Two and Category Three competitions.
Both men are now setting their sights on winning one of greyhound racing’s most historic and lucrative competitions, the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup at Newcastle Stadium.
The competition is open to 36 of the UK and Ireland’s fastest greyhounds and climaxes with a sparkling finals night on Saturday, December 27, where an army of 200 Scots alone are expected trackside.
Arena Racing Company Puppy Trophy champion Slingshot Poppy and three-times Open Race winner Slingshot Gazza will be among Craig and Brian’s hopes of scooping top spot on the night.
“This is the one we want to win,” said Craig.
“We’ve achieved everything in greyhound racing so far apart from a Category One competition win, and to do it at the All England Cup would be magical – it would blow the roof off.
“Our big hopes are Slingshot Poppy and Slingshot Gazza, but it will be difficult.
“We’re expecting some big names to show up for the heats, the likes of Sole Mio, Northern Flat champion Naochra and last year’s winner Wicky Ned.
“Regardless if we reach the final or not, it will be an epic event. A Saturday night after Christmas, live racing, great food and drink – what’s not to love!”
First held in 1938, the All England Cup represents the curtain closer for Category One competitions in the UK each calendar year.
Six of the last eight renewals have been won by trainers attached to the venue, and Craig plans on continuing that trend this year to celebrate two years since his first runners took to the track.
Craig added: “December is like our birthday, and the support we have from people local to the kennel reminds us constantly why we do this.
“We have 200 racegoers making the five-hour plus round trip and I personally cannot wait.
“Reaching 100 winners was a huge achievement for the team, especially as we’ve never had more than 10 greyhounds in training at a time.
“The goal is to keep progressing and with a bit of fortune we can do just that this winter.”
Tickets for the 2025 Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup are available from £9 and can be purchased via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
