A Nottingham syndicate that bought a greyhound in honour of a friend that died from cancer could be running at the world's most prestigious race later this month. Mickys Barrett is one run away from competing in the English Greyhound Derby Final.
The greyhound was purchased by a 67-strong syndicate shortly after their friend Micky Barrett died from cancer in 2021. The two-year-old dog is already a finalist in the ARC Northern Puppy Derby and the ARC Northern Flat, and is less than 30 seconds away from competing in the English Greyhound Derby Final.
Mickys Barrett will compete in a semi-final showdown at Towcester Racecourse on Saturday (June 18). The final is on the following Saturday (June 25).
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Ashley White, close friend of Micky and organiser of the syndicate, said: "Before we purchased Micky and brought the syndicate together, the majority of us knew little to nothing about greyhound racing but the whole journey so far has been a whirlwind. As we clubbed together to buy Micky it meant we've all felt personally involved in his journey and it has been such a fun way to get involved in the sport.
"The atmosphere at every race has been electric and everyone in the sport has been so welcoming and friendly. Particularly following the Covid lockdowns, having the visits to Nottingham Stadium has been a great way to catch up and see one another.
"We are totally surprised that our Micky has turned out to be such a star and has got this far in the Derby amongst the best of the best in the sport. He certainly couldn't have got to this level without the fantastic care and attention that his trainer Jason and his team give him day in, day out."
The group paid around £100 each for a share in the black-and-white greyhound who came over from Ireland to be trained by Nottinghamshire-based trainer Jason Gray. To the surprise of the syndicate members, canine athlete Micky has gone from strength to strength on the track.
Due to the progress he was making, Jason decided to enter him to compete in the prestigious 2022 English Derby. So far, Micky has won three of his five qualifying races and edged a spot in the semi-finals after beating highly fancied Singalong Sally by a neck into third at the recent quarter-finals.
Jason Gray, said: "We are a small kennel and we certainly didn't expect to make it so far in the Derby, but we are loving every minute of it. Micky is a great dog in the kennels, he's very laid back and takes everything in his stride.
"He loves going racing and has really stepped up at every stage and we couldn’t be more proud of him. He's well prepared for Saturday's semi-final and we know he’ll give it his best shot."
To reach the English Greyhound Derby Final, Mickys Barrett must finish in the first three of Saturday's first semi-final. He will face ante-post favourite Romeo Magico and the unbeaten Signet Goofy among others.
Syndicate committee member Paul Howitt, syndicate committee member, said: "We are taking one race at a time but to say we are excited is an understatement. Win or lose, we're so proud of him and we are buzzing to see how he gets on this weekend.
"There's nothing quite like hearing everyone at the stadium cheering and shouting Micky's name. There has been a lot of us making the trip to Towcester Racecourse for the Derby so far, but we're likely going to be organising another coach for us all if he gets any further in the competition.
"Our friend Micky was a brilliant sportsman and a keen Nottingham Forest supporter and we felt that buying a greyhound to race in his name would be a fitting way to keep his memory alive."
Kim Sanzone, from Derby sponsor Star Sports Bookmakers, said: "It's been a delight to welcome the Mickys Barratt syndicate to Towcester throughout the Derby so far and I know everyone has been loving the energy and enthusiasm they have brought with them. You can hear them from a mile away singing and cheering - it's fantastic to see and sums up what our sport is all about and why people get into greyhound ownership.
"The syndicate members love Micky to bits and I know are already arguing about who will bring him home when he eventually retires from his racing career. Creating this syndicate is a wonderful tribute to their late friend and I know the whole greyhound community is behind them. Best of luck to all connections."
