Priests Place was an impressive winner of the Carling Cider Trophy Final over 480 metres at Nottingham last night.

Geraldine Kovac’s runner, who was quickest in the heats, was well backed before the race from 5-2 into 2-1 favouritism and gave his supporters few worries.

The son of Hondo Black flew out of the traps and was always in command, eventually beating Southern Ramsy by just over three lengths in 28.76sec.

Newinn Smash went quickest in the Maiden Sprint heats over 305 metres.

Richard Devenish’s runner bulleted out of the boxes and went on to beat Ballymac Josie by a length and a quarter in 17.82sec.

Gerry Ballentine’s Spikes Hope led early in heat two and held off a game Slick Seacat by half a length in 18.04sec.

Carol Evans’ Ballymac Vance led from the opening turn in heat one to beat kennelmate Beach Belle by three quarters in 18.09sec.