Joe Edwards

Defending champions Headford Dane and Vhagar return to Monmore Stadium as greyhounds compete for places in the 36-dog fields for the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic. Headford Dane faces in-form home contender Shake The Bottle in the 480m race, while Vhagar is expected to be favourite in the 630m event. Other notable runners include Armagh Daithi, Onceina Lifetime and Caldera Flow.

Monmore Green will stage the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic, with both competitions beginning in two weeks and concluding on August 22, 2026. The winners will each receive £10,000. Racing manager Tony Williamson expects strong entries from across Britain, highlighting several local contenders and noting that the track has not produced a Gold Cup winner for more than 20 years. General manager Paul Mason also confirmed two Category Three finals will take place on the same night.

Jo Slater joins Monmore Stadium as a new greyhound trainer, continuing her father’s legacy and managing a growing kennel. She acknowledges support from colleagues and stadium officials as she prepares contenders like Wilma Rudolph and celebrates early successes such as Coologue Molly’s graded win. The evening’s races are expected to provide early indications for upcoming major competitions, including the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic.