Locally trained Aimnfire just held off favourite Roxholme Ted to go unbeaten through the £4,000 Golden Crest Final at Poole.
The June Harvery trained black broke well (4.31 sect) but was involved in an early tangle with Glenpadden Bolt (4.42). He nevertheless managed to scrape clear with Roxholme Ted (4.34) in close attendance.
There had only been a head between them in the semis and despite a brave late effort from Hayley Keightley’s runner, Aimnfire held on by a short head in 26.57 (N).
June Harvey said: “You can never be confident in a race like that but we were always hopeful.
“He didn’t really want trap one, but when we entered him as a middle seed at Wimbledon, he drew trap six which was far worse.
“He is still a puppy and has never been beaten at Poole. It was a relief to see him go past the line in front and we have celebrated with about 20 bottles of champagne.”
Aimnfire was bought from the Dunphys in Ireland at the schooling stage by Ian and Craig Binge and Tony Harvey.
June said: “The three lads went to the Droopys Kennel and watch 23 trials. There were all standing in different positions and all picked out the same dog.”
It was a tremendous night for the kennel with Fizzypop Hawk winning the sprint, and Combat Girl, owned by the same connections as the big race winner, landing the 640m event.
Her trainer said: “We were thrilled with her because she is only just two years old and has only just gone over the distance.
“The only disappointment on the night was Fizzypop Magic (second to Ninja Jem in the marathon) but she is only 14 weeks out of season and she is still to find her best form.”
