John Lambe bids to bring the St Leger home after Birmingham’s 59-year wait

Worth £20,000 to the winner, the St Leger is one of UK greyhound racing’s original classic competitions and dates back to 1928 when it was held at Wembley Stadium.

Jimmy Quinn’s Greenane Flash was the last locally trained greyhound to win the competition back in 1965.

But Kingsbury based John plans to return the trophy to the second city with Hurry Up Jordan who’s running in his first Category One final since the 2023 Laurels where he finished third behind the now retired Hawkfield Ozark and Goldies Perryman.

It would cap a special evening for the Lambe family should Hurry Up Jordan finish in front.

They will be trackside in numbers on Saturday to remember John’s father – greyhound racing enthusiast Michael Lambe Snr – who founded M.Lambe Construction, sponsors the evening’s other feature race the Birmingham Cup which is held in Michael’s memory.

The local hope has been drawn in trap six and will face 2023 GBGB Greyhound of the Year Droopys Clue, Kent St Leger champion Coonough Crow, three-times Category One finalist Tuono Bella, Northern Puppy Derby winner Clona Curly plus Trickycinderella.

“It was a rush to have him ready for the competition, so it won’t surprise anyone that we’re thrilled to be in the final,” said John. “We’re the only wide runner in the race, so getting the outside box in the draw was a given.

“Being on the outside suits us, but there’s no doubt the greyhound to beat is Droopys Clue. All greyhounds in the final are very worthy to be there, but he’s the standout.

“Beyond the St Leger we’re looking forward to the evening and the Birmingham Cup held in memory of my dad. A lot of friends and family will be in the boxes upstairs which will make for a great occasion.”

Tickets for the 2024 Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger final are available to purchase here. Doors open at 6pm with the first of 12 races on the night off an hour later.

The St Leger is the penultimate race on the card at 9.52pm.

2024 Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger final:

Droopys Clue, Coonough Crow, Tuono Bella, Clona Curly, Trickycinderella, Hurry Up Jordan.