Black Top betting

PIC Steve Whalland Race Images.

Welcome to our guide to the 2023 Black Top, which is a feature greyhound race, held at the Gardens each September. Black Top betting is available well in advance of the race, with many of the best greyhounds targeting this event. Our guide will run you through the various elements of the Black Top, including the latest Black Top odds, how to bet on it, recent winners, honour roll and more. The next running of the Black Top is due on September 16, 2023, with bookmakers accepting bets now.


Black Top tips and latest news

Nangar Lucy wins 2023 Group 2 Black Top at The Gardens
Nangar Lucy produced a huge finish to take out the Group 2 Black Top final on Friday night at The ...
The Gardens 2023 The Macca 515m Final 220923 Race 6 Oscar Boaz 29.81
Oscar Boaz, trained by Caitlyn Brewer, made a remarkable comeback with a powerful rails run to claim victory in The ...
Mark Davidson Secures Two Black Top Finalists at The Gardens
The Mark Davidson-trained Fat Boy’s Dream served up a huge effort to take out one of five heats of the ...
Interstate greyhounds feature prominently in Group 2 Black Top betting
Former NSW greyhound trainer Anthony Azzopardi is optimistic about his chances in Friday's heats of the Group 2 Black Top ...
Carton Of Bear at Ipswich
Carton Of Bear and Bora Blue look the dogs to beat when Ipswich celebrates 40 years of greyhound racing in ...
Amron Boy
Punters will see value in Amron Boy heading into Paws Of Thunder at Wentworth Park on Saturday, But there would ...
Lagogiane hoping for a French Martini party in Paws Of Thunder
French Martini is poised to finish her on-track career with a second Group title, and there’s a good chance that ...
Beast Unleashed Gosford Gold Cup Final stacked with stars
With free entry on offer at Gosford next Tuesday evening for the running of the 2023 edition of the Group ...
Good Odds Cash and Frank Hurst after Maitland Cup win
Good Odds Cash may have raced for the last time, but Frank Hurst has no regrets after a standout campaign ...
Red Rolex takes out Maitland Future Stars Maiden Final
The time-honoured Ladbrokes Maitland Future Stars has produced some outstanding chasers in recent years, including Million Dollar Chase winner Good ...
ALL Black Top news


Black Top field

We will update this section of our Black Top betting guide when the field is released for the 2023 event. The Black Top field is decided when the heats are run and won.


Black Top odds

AustralianRacingGreyhound will update this page when Black Top odds become available, these are generally released a few week out from the heats of the event. Black Top odds can vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, so always pays to multiple betting sites you wager with.


Black Top greyhound race details — dates, prize money and qualification

The Black Top is the flagship event held annually at The Gardens greyhound racing track in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, carrying group 2 status and a $40,000 winner’s cheque.

The series is run and won over two weeks, with greyhounds competing in heats, with winners and second place getters (depending on how many heats are held) progressing through to the final seven days later.

The 2023 Black Top is due to be run on September 15, with the race expected to feature a bumper field.


Best bookmakers for betting on the Black Top

Being a main feature on the NSW provincial greyhound racing calendar, the Group 2 Black Top always attracts plenty of betting interest as the best of the best flock to the Steel City for a crack at the riches on offer.

Subsequently, all of our recommended online bookmakers offer fixed odds betting on the final once the heats and box draw have been conducted, giving punters the opportunity to shop around and snag the best prices available.

Many of our greyhound bookies also offer fixed odds betting on the heats of the Black Top, with some, such as Bet365, also having all-in markets on the winner of the final prior to the qualifiers being held – perfect if you think you can spot some value prior to the series kicking off.

Some of our top rated bookies to bet with are as follows:

United States Black Top Bookies

Black Top Bookies


History of the Black Top

Black TopThe race is named after one of the best greyhounds to have ever graced the track, Black Top, who was whelped in February 1961. The son of Top Linen and Classy Jane was bred by Edna Hanson in the suburb of Birmingham Gardens, the town in which The Gardens greyhound track is now based, and was trained near Newcastle by Frank Holmes.

The black powerhouse raced in the early 60s, facing the starter on just 20 occasions from which he managed 17 wins and two second placings. His stakes earnings of 5,352 pounds saw him retire as the sport’s highest earner at the time and he entered the stud scene with a record 65 pounds’ stud fee.

While he was a great racer, Black Top was an even better sire, serving 1,326 bitches and siring 6000 puppies, with some of his best offspring including Cheltenham Lass, Zoom Top and Milimsimbi.

Fittingly, when The Gardens opened its doors to racing, the NCA, who were in charge of running racing at the track at the time, named the club’s feature race after the immortal chaser which was inducted into the Greyhound Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.

The first edition of the Black Top was taken out by Doreen Drynan’s Buddy Rich in 2005, with some of the best greyhounds from the area and across the country having won it since including group 1 stars One Tree Hill (2007) and Cindeen Shelby (2009).

In recent years, the Black Top has been won by some of the most talented dogs in work, with these including Zipping Kyrgios (2021) and French Martini (2022). In 2020, Flying Ricciardo won the Black Top, before going on to win the greyhound of the year award.


Facts about the Group 2 Black Top

As mentioned, The Black Top is named after one of New South Wales’s greatest sprinters and certainly one of the most pre-potent sires in history. Black Top raced just 20 times for 17 wins and two seconds before being retired in his prime in August 1963.

He had a race named after him called the Black Top Trophy, which was conducted on the old Newcastle track (Beaumont Park) between 1972 and 1978.

  • Inaugural Running
    The first Black Top took place over 515m at the Gardens on November 4, 2005 and resulted in a victory by the well-performed Buddy Rich, who defeated Arica Belle by almost six lengths and ran 29.41, a time which was not bested until 2010. The Doreen Drynan-trained sprinter collected $20,000 for the win.
  • Distances
    The race has only ever been conducted over the 515 metres distance at the Gardens.
  • When Is The Race Run
    In 2005 and 2006 it was run in November. From 2007 until until 2006 it was held in October. From 2007 until 2012 it was finalised in September. Since 2013 the final has been conducted in August.
  • Dual Winners
    None.
  • Only Reserves To Win
    None.
  • Biggest Winning Margins
    Buddy Rich’s inaugural win, by five and three-quarter lengths in 2005, remains the widest margin to date, followed by One Tree Hill (2007) who won by five and a quarter lengths and Cindeen Shelby (2009) who scored by four lengths.
  • Closest Winning Margins
    All the winners have been clear-cut with Pantera Nera the closest to date, scoring by half a length over Maja Mahi Mahi in 2016. A year earlier, Uno Suzie won by just three-quarters of a length.
  • Most Successful Trainers
    Jason Mackay won the race with Snozz (2010) and Mister Twister (2017).
  • Dual Finalists
    Cindeen Shelby (third 2008; Won 2009), Flash Of Light (fourth 2009; second 2010), Zipping Sumah (eighth 2013; fourth 2014), Miner’s Moss (fell 2014; eighth 2015)
  • Some Beaten Stars
    Suave Fella (fourth 2007), Mandagery Man (fifth 2007), Elite Oriental (second 2008), Excel Like Time (fifth 2009), Elite Blue Size (fell 2010), Aston Galilee (eighth 2011), Billy The Sid (fourth 2012), Zipping Willow (second 2013), Maja Mahi Mahi (second 2016)
  • Additional Notes
    The Black Top was granted Group 3 status in 2006 and Group 2 status a year later. In the first 12 runnings the winners have come from a wide variety of boxes; indeed, every alley has supplied at least one winner. The best boxes so far have been box eight with three winners, and boxes three and seven with two winners apiece.

Trainer Jason Mackay, who won with Snozz in 2010, provided five finalists in 2013 but could only snare the two minor placings behind Billy Buzzard.

Trainer Robert Smith went from disappointment with seventh and eighth places in 2007 to winning in 2008 with Lochinvar Prada.


The Black Top – recent years

  • The Peter Logogiane-trained French Martini proved a cut above the final of the 2022 Black Top, beating home defending champion Zipping Kyrgios and Gatlin. French Martini had to overcome a tricky draw, jumping from box seven, and an exceptionally strong field. After Zipping Maserati jumped cleanly from box six, French Martini got a nice path to the inside and seized the moment when things went wrong for the leader. Despite renowned finisher Zipping Kyrgios charging home late down the straight, French Martini held on for a famous victory, which was somewhat of a consolation after missing out in the Million Dollar Chase.

    2022 Black Top results

    October 07, 2022. The Gardens First Prize: $40,000
    Winner: French Martini (Aston Dee Bee X Sheez My Chicki) Black Bitch Whelped: 27May 2020
    Trainer: Peter Logogiane Owner: Adam Brandt
    Finishing Time: 29.40 Margins 3.00 x 0.75
    Finishing Order: Zipping Kyrgios, Gatlin, Fat Boy’s Dream, Esther’s Thrill, Yoko Girl, Good Odds Cash and Zipping Maserati.

  • Zipping Kyrgios was sitting third for the first half of the Black Top final. After finding the rail, Zipping Kyrgios had More Sauce and Zulu Warlord about four lengths in front of him, but suddenly the Martin Hallinan trained star put the foot down, finding a way around them down the outside to claim the $40,000 to the winner feature. More Sauce and Zulu Warlord finished in the minor placings. The victory stamped Zipping Kyrgios as arguably the form NSW dog.

    2021 Black Top results

    October 08, 2021. The Gardens First Prize: $40,000
    Winner: Zipping Kyrgios (Aussie Infrared X Zipping Lilly) Blue Dog Whelped: 29 January 2019
    Trainer: M & F Hallinan Owner: John Finn
    Finishing Time: 29.28 Margins 2.25 x 0.75
    Finishing Order: More Sauce, Zulu Warlord, Pay Call, Artic Kingdom, Ritza William, Casual Glance and Zipping Alabama.

  • Flying Ricciardo, who went on to win the 2020 greyhound of the year, won the Black Top after qualifying fastest for the final. After almost breaking the Gardens track record in his heat, Flying Ricciardo went into the final with the weight of expectation. After beginning only fairly, Flying Ricciardo found the lead before the first bend and was never headed. The favourite, trained by Kristy Sultana, beat home Left Unsaid and Lightning Vision.

    2020 Black Top results

    August 28, 2020. The Gardens. First Prize: $40,000
    Winner: Flying Ricciardo (Barcia Bale X Megalodon) Black Dog Whelped: 07/12/2018
    Owner / Trainer: Kristy Sultana
    Winning Time: 29.28 Margins 2.50 x 2.25
    Finishing Order: Left Unsaid, Lightning Vision, All Star Punk, Here Comes Joe, Ebby Jet Power, Fire On Ice and Star Hotel.

  • Aston Duke proved too strong in the 2019 Black Top final, after qualifying fastest for the final and drawing the red box. Aston Duke started well before being heavily challenged by Eye Rock. But much to trainer Jason Mackay’s delight Aston Duke responded and pulled away on the home straight. “He is just one of them little blokes you love to train… he never not gives 100 per cent,” Mackay said.
    “He’s not a world beater but you wouldn’t mind a few of them in your kennel.”

    2019 Black Top results

    August 30, 2019. The Gardens. First Prize: $40,000
    Winner: Aston Duke (Go Wild Teddy X Aston Elle) Black Dog Whelped: 27/01/2016
    Trainer: Jason Mackay Owners: Ray Borda
    Winning Time: 29.65 Margins 0.75 x 1.00
    Finishing Order: Good Odds Buddy, Eye Rock, Mystic Riot, Black Forge, Double Back, Bit Flash, Sheba’s Dream.

  • It was a nervous wait for owner/trainer Charmaine Roberts heading into the 2018 Black Top given Caitlyn Keeping’s place was not assured, but the scratching of Black Forge midweek gave the bitch a spot in the race. After jumping sharply from box 8 the chaser was never headed, scoring an all the way victory.

    2018 Black Top results

    August 31, 2018. August 31 2018. Ladbrokes Gardens. First Prize $40,000
    Winner: Caitlyn Keeping (Fabregas X Noami Keeping) Whelped: 1 Jun 2016 Black Bitch.
    Owner: Charmaine Roberts Trainer: Charmaine Roberts
    Time:29.35 Margins: 0.5 X 3L
    Others in finishing order: Zipping Tayla, Kiarni Velvet, True Talent, Patch Adam, My Gal Penny, Hello Robbo.

  • Leading trainer Jason Mackay became the first trainer to win the Black Top twice when saluting with Mister Twister. One of three runners in the final for Mackay, Mister Twister overcame box six and was able to lead all the way.

    2017 Black Top results

    August 25, 2017. August 25 2017. Ladbrokes Gardens. First Prize $40,000
    Winner: Mister Twister (Collision X Double Twist) Whelped: 6 Jan 2015 Black Dog.
    Owner:Tiger Seven – MGR L Murray Trainer: Jason Mackay
    Time:29.44 Margins: 1 X 1.25L
    Others in finishing order: Aqua Cheetah, Lord Jack, Riley Tokaam, Zipping Chang, Kyra Miss, Two Jay, Aston Bolero.

  • The 2016 edition of the Group 2 Black Top was taken out by Victorian star Pantera Nera for trainer Gavin Burke. The son of Milldean Panther and Go Jessie’s Girl was originally owned and trained in Newcastle before being sold interstate, returning to his former home track in fine style, defeating classy duo Maja Mahi Mahi and One Hill in 29.72.

    2016 Black Top results

    August 26, 2016. Unibet Gardens Newcastle Greyhounds First Prize $40,000
    Winner: Pantera Nera (Milldean Panther x Go Jessie’s Girl) Born Nov 2013 Black Dog
    Owner: Palm Ridge Synd Trainer: Gavin Burke
    Time: 29.72 Margins; 0.5 x 1.5.
    Others in finishing order: Maja Mahi Mahi, One Hill, Zipping Echo, Little Bit Sweet, Mystic Quality, Lochinvar Klein, Wing Fan.

  • Uno Suzie continued her stellar run of form, claiming the 2015 Black Top for leading conditioner Anthony Azzopardi. Clocking a scintillating 29.46 over the 515m trip, the daughter of Cosmic Chief and Uno Witch was too good for a stellar field including Opus Forte, La Grand Logie and Smart Missile.

    2015 Black Top results

    August 28, 2015. The Gardens, Newcastle Greyhounds First Prize $40,000
    Winner: Uno Suzie (Cosmic Chief x Uno Witch) Born March 2013 Black Bitch
    Owner: Jodie Lord, Trainer: Anthony Azzopardi.
    Time: 29.46. Margins: 0.75 x 5.75
    Others in finishing order: Opus Forte, La Grand Logie, Smart Missile, Avening Gun, Gracie See More, Sheba’s Diva, Miner’s Moss.

  • Alby Kennewell scored the biggest victory of his training career when the consistent Rose Of Galo took out the 2014 feature. The black bitch gave a stunning exhibition on the bunny, scoring by three lengths over Push it in 29.52.


The Black Top – honour roll

Year Winner
2005 Buddy Rich
2006 Mojestic
2007 One Tree Hill
2008 Lochinvar Prada
2009 Cindeen Shelby
2010 Snozz
2011 Penthouse
2012 Bye Bye Bucks
2013 Billy Buzzard
2014 Rose Of Galo
2015 Uno Suzie
2016 Pantera Nera
2017 Mister Twister
2018 Caitlyn Keepin
2019 Aston Duke
2020 Flying Ricciardo
2021 Zipping Kyrgios
2022 French Martini
2023 ????