FEATURING the top greyhounds in training at Yarmouth Stadium, the 51st running of the Yarmouth Championship reaches the semi-final stage tomorrow evening.

FEATURING the top greyhounds in training at Yarmouth Stadium, the 51st running of the Yarmouth Championship reaches the semi-final stage tomorrow evening.

Only one of last year's three runners, Newtown Scorsese, trained by Tony McDermott at his Hemsby kennels, qualified.

Eliminated at the semi-final stage last year, when handled by Julie Green, Scorsese has another chance at reaching the final, drawn in trap five in the first semi-final.

Trainer Julie Green has the most runners in the two semi-finals, with three of her four first round entrants through, even though on a rain soaked track, none of them won.

The trap draw has more than made amends. Julie Green has Honest Ruler drawn in trap one in the first semi-final and Lughill Sammy occupying the same berth in the second. Green's third qualifier, Donadea Lad runs from trap five in second semi-final, with Tony McDermott's second qualifier, Dunmurry Sugar, drawn in four.

Jodie Bodily has arguably the strongest pairing with two heat winners featuring, Funway Eagle runs from trap three in the first semi-final and Aghaburren Star in two in the second.

One of the fascinating features of the Yarmouth Championship, being an event for graded runners, the trainer with small kennel strength can challenge the big kennels.

Ard Up, trained by Albert Dale produced an impressive heat win, as did Keith Dawson's Rackethall Holly. The trap draw has pitted them against each other in the second semi-final, Ard Up has drawn trap six again, Keith Dawson trained Rackethall Holly, faces a more challenging trap three draw.

The first three in each semi-final qualify for the grand final to feature on Saturday, December 27.

There is £2,200 prize money, the winner taking £1,000 plus the Silver Challenge Trophy.