Droopys Clue created history while Rioja Bungle achieved some home-bred success following the Category One double header at Perry Barr on Saturday night.
The English St.Leger was first staged in 1928 and was soon recognised as the stayers’ Classic. Many of the greatest stayers in the following nine decades have added their name to the prestigious roll of honour, though none appear there twice. Until now and in some style.
Clue crossed the winning line in 42.97 (-20) for the 710m, some considerable way off his track record-breaking run of 42.33 (N) in last year’s decider. Clona Curly was three-quarters of a length second with all six runners finishing within three and a half lengths of each other.
Trainer Seamus Cahill admitted it had been more of a struggle this year, than last, with the exceptional 35-kilo August 2021 son of Out Of Range ASB and Droopys Natalia.
He conceded he had been “about 80 per cent” fitness-wise during this year’s St Leger, off the back of a brilliant but last-gasp victory in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore.
“We had a couple of issues with him,” Cahill said afterwards. “Nothing serious but it meant we couldn’t really work him and having the week delay after last week was abandoned helped him out.
“Conditions were a lot tougher last week, so maybe it was a blessing in disguise moving the final forward. He always looked to have a great chance but it’s his courage that’s got him home. Diane’s (Henry, Clona Curly) showed exceptional middle pace to join him after the winning line first time and it was definitely race-on afterwards!
“He’ll be rested now but we’ll look at Shelbourne and the Derby final night. It’d be great to take him there, but only if we’re happy.”
One man who was definitely happy – and relieved – was Droopys Clue’s delighted and proud owner Alex Hambi, who spoke to Shaun Reynolds afterwards.
The M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup Final looked a very open affair but less so when local favourite Darley Diglake made a flying start on the outside.
But the honours would be going to another British-bred hound in the shape of the red-jacketed Rioja Bungle. . .
“We always thought his best chance was missing it and following the faster starters round – and that’s how it’s panned out for him, thankfully!” said Donna Witchells, partner of the winning trainer. “He’s just so gutsy and never gives up and it’s topped a good night for us.
“Highview Jasman winning the (Premier Greyhound Racing) Oaks trial stakes was great. She’ll be back here for the heats for Mick Freshwater, while we adore Hopiehopiehopie (ex Ballymac Katie) and it was great to see her do her thing in the marathon for the Jeals.”
Owner Paul Woodburn’s thoughts
