Brothers Chris and Phil Hamblin hoping for first Category One success since quitting shopfitting for greyhound racing with Ela Maestro in £12,500 Cesarewitch Grand Final at Central Park

Two brothers who quit their shopfitting careers to become professional greyhound trainers could win their first Category One competition at Central Park Stadium on Saturday night.

Chris and Phil Hamblin transformed their warehouse near Reading from a fitting unit into purpose-built kennels, complete with paddock space, a swimming pool, kitchen and a racing office.

Two years on from their career change, the pair are now one of six finalists in the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch Grand Final at the Sittingbourne venue with Ela Maestro.

The two-year-old dog by Droopys Sydney won his round one qualifying heat a fortnight ago before placing second behind Alright Gordy in last week’s Semi-Final.

It marks only the second time the Hamblin brothers have been represented in a Category One Final - the highest level of UK greyhound racing. And Chris is hopeful of a big run from his kennel star.

“He was destined to step up to a longer six-bend trip since he arrived at the kennel in the autumn,” said Chris. “I wasn’t entirely convinced the 731-metre trip would play to his strengths, but he’s proven me wrong and clearly enjoys Central Park.

“All greyhound trainers dream of winning the big competitions, and we’re no different.

“It’s been a huge journey to get to this stage, and having a Category One winner really would be a great reward for the team’s hard work and the support we receive from our owners.”

Joining the Graham Freeman-owned Ela Maestro are Ballymac Taylor, Bradys Bullet, Garfiney Blaze, Mad For Sterling and Alright Gordy.

The winner will write their name as the Cesarewitch’s’ 85th champion after the competition was first held in 1928 at West Ham Stadium, with previous winners including Wembley 100 inductee Mick