Bargain buy Coonough Crow landed the first – of what should be many – Cat One successes for the new MWD Partnership when taking the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Grand Prix at Sunderland.
The Mark Wallis trained black went from trap four in the decider wiuth favourite Darbys Delight in six . . . .
Mike Davis and Michelle Connolly – two thirds of the MWD Partnership celebrate their first Cat One win. pic Lorraine Hyde-Banning
Although the MWD Partner have spent significant sums on some very fast hounds, Mike Davis admitted that Crow was one of the cheaper purchases.
He said: “We were following a Novice 750 stake at Shelbourne Park which was on the Friday night prior to the Night Of Stars. We had an interest in Mustang Thiago (who later became Hopes Woofwoof) but we noticed how well Crow ran to finish second and she looked better value for the money so we bought her from Richard Culley.
“I was delighted with the run on the night. Given the ability of Darbys Delight we knew she would have to run her race to win it, and thankfully she did. I thought she showed a lot of courage to get through on the rail at the third bend. I’ll speak to Mark about future plans for her.”
Having taken 7-1 ante post about the winner, Mike didn’t play on the night though Crow had shortened in the betting during the day.
He said: “It was a fabulous night and I cannot praise Rachel Corden and Sunderland enough for the way they staged the meeting. It was everything it should be for an owner. I know Rachel attracts some comment in the media, but she knows how to do the job properly. Huge thanks for a great night.
“I would also like to comment on Tom Heilbron’s runner, Links Maverick in the 450 final and just outside the track record. What a greyhound he is!”
** Sunderland RM Joe Frelford was also on the ball. From eight selections, he tipped winners: Joyces Jet (5-1), Definitive Force (9-2), Narcos The Great (2-1) and Coonough Crow (9-4).
