Hunt claims dramatic Trophy success at Monmore Green

A grandstand finish saw Nathan Hunt dramatically strike at the eleventh hour to clinch the 2026 David Lipsey Trophy at Monmore Green.

The six-race, six-trainer shootout saw Hunt's master plan perfectly come to fruition as his nominated Joker for the event, Senahel Sydney took 20 points in the last race to seal victory for the Trinity Greyhounds kennel.

It was an extra sweet triumph for the Welshman, who is based at Monmore, having been pipped at the post by Greyhound Board champion trainer Mark Wallis in last year's competition at Perry Barr.

Hunt succeeded this time around with 49 points ahead of Paul Young (Romford, 44) and Maxine Locke (Central Park, 43) while Wallis (Unattached, 35), Tom Heilbron (Newcastle, 23) and Kevin Hutton (Towcester, 18) came fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

It is a first-ever triumph for Hunt in the event, previously known as Trainers' Judgement Night but now named in honour of the former Premier Greyhound Racing chairman and House of Lords member.

He was joined by the late Lord Lipsey's wife Margaret and son Barney as part of the trophy celebrations at the winners' podium.

The David Lipsey Trophy was for the top Open trainers in the 2025 standings and consisted of six races on Thursday night - two 480m, 480 Bitches, 480 Puppy, 684m Stayers and 264m Sprint - with each race worth 10 points to first, seven to second, five for third, three for fourth, two for fifth and one for sixth.

To make things even more intriguing, each trainer could nominate one greyhound as a Joker who was worth double points.

Locke made a perfect start as her nominated Joker, Annadown Warrior took the 480m Puppy in 28.50secs.

It then seemed Hunt may have regretted not playing his Joker earlier as Sams Magic and Scooby Diamond won the 480 Bitches and 264 respectively, but it was not enough for him to top the standings at the halfway stage with well-played Jokers elsewhere.

Wallis made a slow start but got himself right back into the mix with wins for both Armagh Daithi (480m) and Vhagar (684m) - the latter being a Joker worth double points - going into the last leg.

Hunt was the only trainer with his Joker still left to use and Senahel Sydney did the business when it mattered most, putting on the afterburners to win the second 480m affair by the finest of margins and clinch the crown.

Sydney beat Young's Underground Arlo by half a length, much to the delight of Hunt and connections as they won the big event at their home track.