McNairs mob-handed in Salver semis
Liz and Rab McNair have four runners in the ARC Silver Salver semi-finals
McNairs mob-handed in Salver semis
Liz and Rab McNair’s wait to add the ARC Kent Silver Salver trophy to their cabinet could end this month following a near-faultless night on Saturday at Central Park Stadium.
The Ashford couple have never lifted the UK’s most prestigious sprint competition before, but have four chances of reaching this year’s final at the weekend when Central Park hosts semi-finals.
Queen Dusty, King Jackson, Queen Sinead and King Presley all qualified from their respective heats for the McNair kennel.
The first three were drawn out of the hat together in the opening semi-final, while King Presley is the kennel’s sole representative in the second instalment. A top-two finish is required to confirm a place in the following week’s £12,500-to-the-winner grand final.
Assistant trainer Rab believes all four of their runners have a good chance of qualifying and is keeping his fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
“They’ve all got chances, and crucially they’ve all got the draws they need,” he said.
“I’m hoping Saturday’s heats will bring all of them along nicely.
“It was 100 per cent the right decision to postpone the heats a week ago – the weather was so poor.
“Our greyhounds were fresh, which probably didn’t work in our favour, but they can kick on this weekend.
“Sinead is the natural sprinter of them all. Jackson and Dusty are more naturally suited to the standard distances and we’re still learning about Presley. He (King Presley) is the type of greyhound that could run three times a week if we were able to. He’s hyper, and just loves life.
“We’re in a good position, if one or two of them can qualify for the final, then we’ll be in good shape.”
Other greyhounds of note to qualify for the semi-finals were Scurry Gold Cup champion Rioja Oisin and the Mark Wallis-trained Ballinakill Liam, who set the standard by winning in 16.03 and remains the ante-post favourite.
Tickets for the semifinals of the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver are available online or can be purchased on the door from £8. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night going off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver, semi-final draw and prices (Ladbrokes):
Semi Final One: Bert Ted 20/1, Queen Sinead 6/1, Rioja Oisin 8/11, King Jackson 4/1, Mickys Tribute 14/1, Queen Dusty 9/2.
Semi Final Two: Harlequin Ernie 20/1, Mucky Boreen 20/1, Coppice Ronnie 6/1, Tullymurry Dylan 8/1, Ballinakill Liam 8/11, King Presley 3/1.
Semi Final Three: Oakfield Murty 14/1, Beaming Isla 12/1, Daring Hoffa 16/1, Roanna Mamba 9/2, Pavilion Team 4/7, King Pavarotti 4/1.
