With most of England’s coronavirus restrictions now lifted, a night at the races is firmly back on the cards. And, looking at the Category 1 schedule, September has plenty to offer those looking for a reunion with their mates, with some top-class meetings up and down the country — there really is something for everyone.
So, without further ado, read on as we take look at some of the biggest races to look forward to in September…
7th September: Sheffield – Three Steps to Victory – Tri-Distance
Held annually at Owlerton Stadium in Sheffield, the Three Steps to Victory, which was only inaugurated in 2003, is like no other race on the calendar, as it consists of different race distances — 480m, 500m and 660m. In the last two renewals of the tri-distance race, the favourite has prevailed, with Bull Run Button winning in 2019, landing Barrie Draper his third victory, whilst Roxholme Kristof was victorious last year, gifting trainer Hayley Keightley her first triumph in the race. So, look out for the marker leader in the greyhound tips from Betdaq.
16th September: Yarmouth – 75th East Anglian Greyhound Derby – 462m
Hosted at Yarmouth Stadium, this year’s renewal will be the 75th edition of the East Anglian Greyhound Derby. Raced over 462m, the four-bend outing is often contested by greyhounds who took place in the Greyhound Derby earlier in the season. Charlie Lister has a fantastic record in the race, having pocketed the 10k prize purse five times since 2006. Last year, Patrick Janssens grabbed his first victory in the race, as 6/1 shot Kilara Lion, who was less fancied than her kennelmate Lenson Whelan,stormed to glory.
19th September: Swindon – 75th British Bred 2-Y-O Produce Stakes – 476m Produce
The East Anglian Greyhound Derby isn’t the only race celebrating its 75th anniversary this September, as the British Bred 2-Y-O Produce Stakes marks its 75th renewal just days later. Originally only open to greyhounds from Wales and the West, the race was later opened to all British-bred dogs. Held at Swindon since the closure of Bristol in 1997, Queen Jessiej landed trainer Liz McNair her third victory in the Category 1 race in four years — after King Elvis and King Sheeran were successful in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
24th September: Romford – Romford Puppy Cup – 400m Puppies
First raced in 1975, the Romford Puppy Cup is one of the biggest races of the year for puppies — which must be under the age of two. Only the Midland Puppy Derby boasts a bigger prize purse (£12,500) in this juvenile category, which is raced over 400m. Tenpin, trained by David Mullins, was last year’s victor, winning from 9/4, whilst Roxholme Nidge was the last favourite to win the race, scooping a victory back in 2017.
30th September: Perry Barr – St Leger – 710m
Considered the biggest and best race for stayers, the St Leger has a rich history that dates back to 1928. First raced at Wembley Stadium, the race was moved to Wimbledon Stadium in 1999, and with the closure of the venue in 2016, the St Leger was rehomed at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham, where it has stayed since 2017. Contested over a mammoth 710m, last year’s winner was 10/1 shot Smallmead, trained by John Mullins in Yarmouth, whilst Redzer Ardfert was one of the first Irish-trained winners in 2019.