He might have arrived at Perry Barr as the odds-on favourite, but Patrick Janssens was made to sweat to land his first ever Judgement Night (Trainers Championship meeting).

He trailed Kevin Hutton going into the final leg and had to rely on a second place from Hawkfied Ozark to scrape home by two points.

Patrick said: “I love these meetings. They are always so much fun. I thought we could win it, but we had some poor draws and since the idea was introduced of having a joker, it puts a whole different complexion on things.”

There were three successful jokers played during the meeting with only John Mullins left kicking himself after favouring Callmesteve (beaten) over Signet Goofy.

For his part, Patrick surprisingly left out Coolavanny Shado from his team and was vindicated when Hawkfield Ozark delivered the decisive point in the final race.

He joked: “Shado is an ‘Aubamayang’, we needed a team player. When Ozark went to the bend in second place, my only thought was ‘don’t do anything stupid’. Thankfully he didn’t.

Overall, the kennel delivered a double with youngster Slick Saratoga and the ever reliable ‘Lucy’ (Fabulous Azurra) in line for special praise.

Patrick said: “She is only nine weeks out of season and three or four lengths away from her best. What a greyhound she is.

“I also want to pay tribute to Perry Barr. The professionalism of that place is exceptional, from the racing office through to every aspect of the meeting. These Judgement Nights have a special place in the calendar and I hope we never lose them.”

It is also worth noting that Racing Manager Martin Seal maintained his reputation as a top tipster picking six winners from 11 selections: Slick Saratoga (5-6f) Gougane Jet/Fabulous Azurra (both 10-11f), Mystical Mario (13-8f) Signet Goofy (7-4), and Saffrons Dash (9-2).

SLICK SARATOGA gets Patrick Janssens off to a good start on Judgement Night as the crowd enjoys a sunny evening Photo: © Steve Nash

SAFFRONS DASH (t3 rails) leads round the first bend in the Judgement Night Maidens, going on to score for Mark Wallis from John Mullins’s Faypoint Angry (t4 centre). Long Raven (t6) and Coppice Dylan (t5) also pictured. Photo: © Steve Nash

GOUGANE JET leads off the second bend in the Sprint, to land the Mark Wallis “joker” on Judgement Night from Impact George (Kevin Hutton) Photo: © Steve Nash

FABULOUS AZURRA lands the Patrick Janssens joker in the Judgement Night Bitches Photo: © Steve Nash

Kevin Hutton takes the lead on Judgement Night as his joker Sleek By Design (t3) cops double points the Stayers leg leading home Matt Dartnall’s Fifty Nine (t2). Photo: © Steve Nash

Thrilling conclusion to the PGR Judgement Night as John Mullins’s Signet Goofy (t3) wins the last leg, but it’s the places that swing the title to Patrick Janssens as his Hawkfield Ozark (t2) gains the crucial runner up spot. Burnchurch Mick (t1) short heads Forest Icon (t6 far left) for third, denying Kevin Hutton a share of the spoils. Photo: © Steve Nash