A 10-hour round trip won’t deter scores of greyhound racing enthusiasts in Scotland from supporting Slingshot Gazza in Friday’s Arena Racing Company Laurels semi-finals.
Brian Fairbairn’s kennel star is one of 18 greyhounds left in Dunstall Park’s first Category One competition of the year, which carries a first prize of £12,500 and climaxes on Saturday, April 11.
The July ’23 dog snuck into the semi-finals by the barest of margins after finishing third in his respective heat last week.
But with a prime draw, owner Craig Armstrong is hopeful racegoers will see Gazza run to his true potential and earn Slingshot Greyhounds an 11th Category One final appearance since it was founded in 2023.
“He’s our bridesmaid greyhound,” said Craig.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we haven’t seen the best of him yet, and I think part of that is down to being unlucky with his draws.
“I see him as a dog which runs to his best potential in trap three or four. We haven’t had that in a race over a standard trip for a long time, so Saturday could be his moment to shine.
“Prior to last weekend, he had never seen Dunstall Park before. He trapped okay, but he walked the first 20 yards or so of the race and we got lucky as he finished like a train.
“Friday is a big challenge for him. We’re up against Romeo Steel who (Slingshot) Poppy clashed with at Sunderland in November and four other great greyhounds.
“It’s disappointing Poppy didn’t qualify last week. But her being ante-post favourite for the competition is a huge compliment to the kennel. We’re only small, and based in Scotland, but have a fantastic group of supporters who will be there on Friday cheering Gazza on.”
Other star names to feature in Friday’s semi-finals are 2025 Gymcrack champion Elusivenomore, East Anglian Derby champion Romeo Steel and last year’s English Derby semifinalist No Better Feelin.
The evening also features the semi-finals of the £5,000 Arena Racing Company Dunstall Dash.
Tickets are available online from £8. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.08pm.
2026 Arena Racing Company Laurels semi-finals:
Semi Final One: Droopys Aladdin, Ballymac Blanco, Droopys Doris, Elusivenomore, Droopys Dettori, Longacres Daddy.
Semi Final Two: Romeo Steel, Ollie The Ox, Droopys Trade, Slingshot Gazza, Rolo Rosie, Ballymac Dave.
Semi Final Three: Sams Magic, Signet Bucko, No Better Feelin, Toddys Wolf, Laughil Larry, Gothic Joshua.
