Former local A1 runner Headford Joe returned to Henlow to win the fastest heat of the Super Sprint for trainer Katie O’Flaherty.

The black wide seed was never headed when beating Bodell Hurricane by nearly five lengths in 16.44 (TR 16.26) for the 277m.

The most fascinating clash of the night between multiple track record holders Skate On and Aero Babooshka went in favour of Liz McNair’s sprint veteran in 16.53. Slow breaking Baboosha was nearly three adrift at the line.

Two heats earlier, the same kennels had disputed a photo finish, but this one went in favour of Mark Wallis’ Evanta Fantasy who a short black head to spare over the round’s only beaten favourite Wee Tiger Tots in 16.63.

The night’s shortest priced winner Target Harris (2-5f) often needs his early pace to overcome his average trapping and so again proved the case when beating Ilewin Allot by two in 16.71.

Carl Perry’s Geelo Van George and Chris Green’s Galley Cashen won their respective heats in an identical 16.73.

Semi final draw