Adageo Bob (2-1) finally bagged that big race at Romford when landing the Mitch Millward Essex Vase over 575 metres on Tuesday.
Mark Wallis, runner has been a real course and distance specialist and track record holder but luck deserted him when it mattered in the big races.
However four and a half year old Bob ended his career in the best possible fashion when he bolted from traps and cut the nose off main rival Fivestar Clipper at the opening turn.
He went well clear and eventually came home almost nine lengths clear of Bubbly Gold in 35.05sec.
Bob went to the podium cheered by a standing ovation from the grandstand.
Wallis said afterwards: “This win meant a lot with Bob retiring and winning a race in memory of Mitch Millward.
“It was one of the best Essex Vases for many years and for Bob to win like he did was very special.
“The crowd at Romford love him and he got a very special reception.
“His longevity, stamina and will to win are his greatest attributes and he really deserves this victory.”
Listen To This justified 5-4 favouritism in the BGP On Greyhound Racing Coral Bitches takes over 400 metres.
The Golden Sprint winner was led to the second turn by Katies Piper but forced her way through to score by almost six lengths in 23.85sec.
Her trainer Jim Reynolds said: “She’s not been breaking and didn’t tonight but she was brave to barge the five dog out of the way and then it was all over.
“She reached a big final at Crayford recently but does save her best form for Romford.”
Bua Frank gave his backers a few anxious moments before landing the Like Coral On Facebook Hurdle over 380 metres.
Barry O’Sullivan’s runner was led throughout by Priceless Sun, who appeared to have done enough, however the 13-8 jolly lunged late to score by half a length in 24.80sec.
Oneco Sky impressed in the Sign Up For Coral Connect Maiden Marathon over 750 metres.
Kevin Boon’s runner flew out of the boxes and made all the running to beat Midway Jack by four lengths in 47.39sec.
Boon said afterwards: “He’s been running against good dogs in the St Leger and won a Maiden last Friday, which was after the closing date for this contest.”
Swabys Millward (11-4f) was the fourth consecutive winning favourite when landing the Bet Online, Mobile and In Shop Stayers Stakes over 575 metres.
Droopys Jarrow led until the first bend where Swabys Millward shot past and went five lengths clear. His stride started to shorten but he held the renewed effort of Droopys Jarrow by a short head in 35.52sec.
Clondoty Alex continued the run of favourites when landing the Coral Backs Children With Cancer Standard over 400 metres.
Mark Wallis’s runner flew out of the one box and went three lengths clear. He went on to beat Borna Cheyne by just over a length in 24.17sec.
Kennel spokesman Sid Hewitt said: “He’s got a good record winning 11 form 19 starts and when he went round in front was always going to be hard to beat.”
Swift Whirlwind reversed Gold Collar form with Corrin Bob in the Download Coral From the App Store Stayers Stakes over 575 metres.
Mark Wallis’s runner, the 3-1 favourite, was soon clear and went on to beat Corrin Bob by seven and a half lengths in 35.34sec.
Wallis said afterwards: “He’s a cracking dog when on the bunny, unfortunately he missed the break in the Essex Vase semi-finals but he’s shown what he is capable of here.”
Bubbly Time broke the run of winning favourites in the Watch Greyhound Racing Streamed at Coral Marathon over 750 metres.
Tony Gifkins’ runner was led until close home by Rearguard Bond but got up on the line to score by a short head in 47.71sec.
Gifkins said: “She was terrified of the fireworks at Crayford but ran well at Henlow last time and showed her class tonight to get there.”
