Two years ago, the Richard Rees trained Southwood Jet went to traps as 7-4 favourite for 2020 Star Sports Derby Final. A year later, the Hove handler was convinced that he had one good enough in Hilight Arkle only to see the 29.31, 29.33 heat winner go lame in the third round. Could Burnchurch Mick be third time lucky in the Rees Derby quest?
His trainer remains cautiously optimistic following the dog’s domination of the Ladbrokes Winter Derby at Monmore. The 9-4f epitomised the word ‘consistency’ when clocking a 4.33 sectional following 4.36 and 4.33 on his way to the fastest times in each round.
Of course Mick is hardly a new kid on the block. He won on debut for Ted Soppitt back in November 2020 but went out of the following year’s Monmore Puppy Derby and Star Sports English Derby in the first round. In fact he had won only two of his previous 14 opens prior to the Monmore event. But Richard Rees reckoned the dog had only one Achiles Heel.
Richard said: “He has always been an inconsistent trapper but it would take a very good greyhound to beat him when he leads. We went into the final knowing that there was always a chance that he could get it wrong but he didn’t. Maybe he has matured with a bit of age, maybe it is because he loves Monmore, but that was Mick showing what he is capable of.
“I am delighted for owner Darryl Bear who has been a great supporter of the kennel, on his own, or in partnership with others, for many years.”
