The Stewards' Cup is set to return with Star Pelaw the venue

Stewards' Cup back on track after 17 years

Despite a long history which saw the race move around the country, the Stewards' Cup died when Walthamstow shut in 2008. One of the top nights in the competition's history was Smoking Baby winning for Derek Knight and Vinnie Jones in 2001. There were also back-to-back wins for Harry Findlay's Chicita Banana in 1989 and 1990. The final running was won by Aero Blackjack for Mark Wallis.

It was announced on Monday that the competition is having new life breathed into it by Star Pelaw and Callum Purdy of Untold Racing. The competition will be run over 590m and will be a Cat Two this year. The three rounds will kick off on Saturday, October 4, the semis will be Sunday October 12 with the final on Saturday, October 18. It will be worth £3,000 to the winner.

Speaking to Jonathan Kay of SIS, Purdy said "In a sport that we all love, it’s an honour to reignite and sponsor a competition like the Stewards Cup which hasn’t been run since 2008. It will be a Category Two event this year, but let’s see what 2026 brings." That suggests a desire to take the competition to the next level which should be applauded.

Head of Greyhound Operations for Star Sports Kim Sanzone, said to Kay "Both Ben and I are extremely grateful to Callum for his support of the track and we very much look forward to putting on even more competitions in 2026."

It further strengthens the commitment to the sport that Star Sports have shown since purchasing Pelaw as well as being able to build on relationships built years ago as with Purdy. Untold Racing will have a couple of runners in the opening round of the Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby this week, we wish them well.