For almost seven decades, the TV Trophy has been one of the most famous and much loved competitions on the British greyhound racing calendar.
This year, after eight years on its travels, it returns to Towcester and we have six wonderful finalists chasing a place in history in Sunday afternoon’s Time sponsored decider.
Let’s meet the finalists, shall we.
1
Mongys Wild
Owners: MWD Partnership
Trainer: Mark Wallis
Roxholme Olaf – Banter Breeze (October 2022)
In a very short period, since moving to the UK, this powerful galloper has given warning that he is going to be a staying sensation. He first came to prominence at Shelbourne Park when winning his six-bend debut in a brilliant time.
Once journeying across the Irish Sea, he made an immediate impression, winning an open 500 around here before quickly building a big reputation as a stayer. His only UK defeat came at Monmore but remains unbeaten around Towcester, winning six times.
He justified short odds in the semi-finals, taking the step up to this marathon trip in his stride. From an ideal draw in red, he is a worthy favourite to land this prize and won’t be shy of support.
2
Swift Delta
Owner: K Devonshire & B Tuffnell
Trainer: Daniel Brabon
Malachi – Swift Causeway (June 2022)
This lady has long been a talented stayer, first stepping up to six bends in March last year before winning on her eight-bend debut at Crayford the following month. In the subsequent months, it became evident that she had an abundance of stamina and could make it as a marathon performer.
Despite her ability, this is her first major final and she has yet to win beyond 900m. She may have run a big race in defeat behind the reigning champ in her semi-final but is the rank outsider to land this famous prize.
If she is to cause a major upset, she must produce a flawless display but don’t be surprised if she were to run a big race at massive odds.
3
Bubbly Inferno
Owner: The Champagne Club Syndicate
Trainer: Paul Young
Good News – Bubbly Firebird (June 2021)
This top-class stayer handed her handler Paul Young a fourth success, and a first in 20 years, in the TV Trophy last year and will be fancied by many to hand him a fifth this afternoon by successfully defending her crown.
She may have been returned at 16-1 in last year’s final but lit up Oxford with a brilliant display. A year on, she has had limited racing in recent months and comes into this contest fresh and well.
Her semi-final run was evidence that she is feeling well at present and is set to mount a bold bid to become the third multiple winner of the TV Trophy since the start of the century and just the fourth in the long history of the event.
Her many fans will be hoping she can turn closer to the pace than last week but she will certainly come home fast, no matter her position.
4
Ballymac Taylor
Owner: MWD Partnership
Trainer: Mark Wallis
Ballymac Anton – Ballymac Merkle (September 2021)
This brilliant stayer has been in a number of Category One finals since first arriving on these shores in early 2023 and is long overdue a first success. She has been a finalist in the Kent St Leger, the Regency, finished third in the Golden Jacket and ran up the Cesarewitch.
She also ran up last year’s TV trophy at Oxford, chasing home Bubbly Inferno before exacting revenge on that rival the following month in ‘The Decider’ – a match-race run at Romford over 925m.
Very much at home around Towcester, she holds the track record for the 942m trip, won the Dorando Marathon on Derby final night and was just over a length off her own track record in the semis. She is a major contender and will be fancied by many to hand champion trainer Mark Wallis a record fifth TV Trophy victory.
5
Alright Gordy
Owner: G Roome
Trainer: David Lewis
Out Of Range – Beaming Brae (October 2021)
This powerful brindle is one of just two dogs in the line-up, along with Mongys Wild. For over a year and a half, he has been a model of consistency, winning on a regular basis over all distances.
However, from his earliest days, it was clear that stamina was his greatest strength and the further he has gone, the better he has become. He was third in the Cesarewitch early last year and this is his first Category One final appearance since.
A relentless galloper that tends to steer a wide path, often avoiding traffic, he could be aided by any congestion on the inside of the track. He may be a big price to land the biggest prize of his career but is far from a forlorn hope. Don’t be surprised if he outruns his odds for Oxford based handler David Lewis.
6
Alright Patricia
Owner: D Roome & G Roome
Trainer: David Lewis
Out Of Range – Beaming Brae (October 2021)
A litter sister and kennel companion to Alright Gordy, she has many similar qualities to her brother. This is her second TV Trophy final appearance after making last year’s decider where she finished at the tail of the field after finding traffic.
A year on, she seems stronger and in better form. She won five of her six most recent starts in the weeks prior to this competition and carried that form into her semi-final.
In what was her first outing beyond last year’s 847m trip, she stayed on strongly behind Mongys Wild to book her place in this afternoon’s final. The reward for her efforts is a kind draw in the striped jacket and, much like her brother, it would be no surprise if she were to outrun her odds.
