Barry O’Sullivan had a night to remember when reaching the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch semi-finals - a competition his father Terry attended before the second world war.

Fawkham-based trainer O’Sullivan qualified kennel stars Head Count and Harlequin Ocean for Saturday’s fixture at Central Park in Sittingbourne where the six runners for the following week’s £12,500 final will be confirmed.

Reaching the semi-finals marked new territory for O’Sullivan, who has never advanced past the heats in the Cesarewitch. And qualifying for the final would be particularly poignant, given the competition was inaugurated at his father’s local track while he was a youngster - West Ham Stadium - in 1928.

Both of O’Sullivan’s greyhounds have been drawn in semi-final two against Champys Girl, Unanimous Madam, last year’s finalist, Alright Gordy, and recent George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial finalist, Breton Molly.

Despite the quality opposition, O’Sullivan is hopeful of reaching his first Cesarewitch final.

“She (Head Count) ran a really good race in her heat,” he said.

“I’m delighted for the owners because they’ve supported our kennel for many years, and this is probably the fastest greyhound they have owned.

“We thought the step up in trip would suit her as she finished second in a Category Two competition at Oxford before Christmas where she ran on well over a shorter trip.

“I think there’s still more to come from her. We’re happy with her semi-final draw as she does tend to pick up a lot of speed running to the bend, so fingers crossed we can be there in front.

“Harlequin delivered a career-best to qualify as well, so it was a good night for the kennel.

“We’ve never reached the final of the Cesarewitch. Doing so would mean a lot as the competition started at West Ham where my father had runners way back in the 1940s - we’re hopeful of a good outcome.”

Elsewhere, Marden-based Tom Levers qualified for semi-final one with Bombay Zorba who clocked 44.98sec when finishing third in heat three. Walderslade’s Daniel Brabon also features on Saturday with Ballycowen Harry running in semi-final three.

Last year’s champion, Garfiney Blaze, comfortably qualified by winning heat six in 44.04 and runs in semi-final three. However, Sean Parker’s Droopys Flare (semi-final one) went quickest and set a new track record when clocking 43.87 in heat four.

Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant availability for the semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch are available to book online subject to availability at centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk/. Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races off at 6.37pm.