Patrick Janssens took five runners to Central Park, three of which won, with Affleck Bolt setting a new track record of 39.33 for the 642m, some 11 spots inside Touch Tackle’s previous best.

The run was particularly sweet for Patrick who bred and reared the son of Kinloch Brae and Ardrine Lunar from a repeat mating to a litter that featured Badabing (British Breeders Stakes) and the prolific Meadow.

Patrick said: “He had gone below the record before on calculated time, so I was happy to see him break it properly. It was a good clock held by a classy greyhound.”

It was Bolt’s sixth consecutive win over course and distance, and seven from his last 11, though Patrick thinks he has some excuses for three of the four defeats at Crayford twice, Sheffield and most recently at Monmore.

He said: “At Crayford, he finished third in the Golden Jacket semis with two to qualify and was run out of a place by Goldies Hotspur who is better suited to the distance. In my opinion, Bolt’s best distance is around 680 metres.”

Bolt was beaten three and a quarter lengths last time out by Magical Icarus over 684m at Monmore, after leading, though Patrick thinks the formline is a bit harsh on his dog.

He said: “Firstly, I take nothing away from the winner who is an exceptional greyhound. But to be fair to Bolt, the going was 1.00 slow on the night and he was at the end of his range. I don’t know whether we could have beaten Magical Icarus but I honestly think we would have been a lot closer on better going.

Bolt’s other recent defeat was in an open at Sheffield “when he just didn’t run the place” and with the Gain Trainers Championship meeting less than a fortnight away, he will return to Owlerton next week for a 660m solo.

 

Team Janssens also sent out the winner of Kent Silver Salver semi in Magical Houdini who clocked 16.16 for the 265m.

That was naturally overshadowed by the Troy Bella becoming the first ever hound to break 16.00 for the course and distance, his 15.99 run was one spot inside the five year old best held by Murlens Crash. Newinn Master was second with 4-5f King Elvis going through in third.

The final draw

Patrick said: “If Troy Bella pings like he did in the semi finals, it is probably all over. But Magical Houdini is the only railer in the final and that gives him a chance. We know that King Elvis isn’t a close railer but Houdini is and he should get a clear run on the inside.

“His ideal distance is probably 400 metres. He did 25.67 in a trial at Harlow (415m TR 25.50), so we know he doesn’t lack pace.”

 

The kennel’s third winner on the night – and its runner-up spot – both came in the heats of the Sunday Night Standard where Ballymac Osby’s 28.65 run is the fastest time of the last six months (TR 28.50) .

For Patrick though, he had to watch his 6-1 chance Goldies Ginola turn over an unlucky 2-7f in Seaglass Phantom.

Though disappointed to see his Juvenile winner beaten, there was also some pride in seeing Ginola running the best race of his career.

Patrick said: “It was very pleasing because I bought Ginola, and Goldies Klinsman and Goldies Hoddle from Ireland at 12 weeks and they were reared here.

“It all happened by accident. I was standing on the bank at Mildenhall with Afflect Bolt and his sister when they were schooling. Peter Mingay put a dog around who absolutely took off and I wanted to know all about him. It turned out to be Night Bomber and Peter put me in touch with the breeder.

“It was just before the other brother Roxholme Nidge had hit the track and so I was able to buy them. I think they cost something like £2,000 each, but they certainly look a bargain now.

“I have always rated Ginola. He started in A5 at Central Park and hasn’t stopped improving. I think there is a 28.70 run in him this summer.”

The night’s third track record went to Caislean Fifi who was one spot inside the 265m hurdle clock with a 16.55 run.

Seamus Cahill’s dog has been a friend to tricast punters over the last nine months. He has raced 17 times for 7 wins, 7 seconds and 3 thirds.