Scour through the Greyhound Star archives and you will find tales of greyhounds simultaneously competing in two competitions. The practice fell out of favour, not because it wasn’t effective, but due to promoter pressure and the fear or non-runners in finals.
In his column last week, Rab McNair stated that King Lennon would contest the first round of the Ladbrokes Kent Derby in between the semis and final of the BGBF British Bred Plate at Newcastle. He reckoned the dog would benefit from the extra run. It proved a great insight as the 34 kilo brindle clocked the fastest time in the Sunday night’s first round at Central Park.
(Click on winner’s names to review race)
On the anniversary of the night that he was knocked over in the final of the Trafalgar Cup at Monmore, King Lennon (T6 2-1jf) produced his best performance since that date with a six lengths win over Front Edge (T1) and Ballymac Osby (T5). His winning time was 28.90 on going rated .40 slow. Coolavanny Bert’s track record is 28.50 (N). Joint favourite Seaglass Phantom (T4) finished fourth.
There was a littermate double within a quarter of an hour with King Dylan (T2 5-1) beating Troy Zico (T6) and Forest Alan (T1) 29.14 (-40). Goldies Ginola (T1) and Mottos Moon (T3) were the 5-2 joint favourites.
The second fastest winner on the night was Stuart Maplesden’s Fayes Jet (T4 7-1) who beat Antigua Romeo (T6 6-4f) by nearly seven lengths in 29.03 (-40). Kentish Prince (T2) and Droopys Denny (T3) dead-heated for third. It was a messy race primarily caused by Noirs Daniels’ (T1) struggling to negotiate the first bend.
Emma Richards’ Fitenwell (T6 9-4) extended his winning sequence to six in the night’s next quickest heat. He was followed home by the Hutton pair of Magical Vera (T5) and Headford Ranger (T1 6-4f) in 29.12 (-40).
Ante post favourite Bockos Doomie (T4 9-4f) showed his ability and vulnerability in the fifth heat. Flat footed away, Patrick Janssens’ rangey black and white forced a gap at the first bend and led home Lenson John (T1) and Slaneyside Sylvy (T2) in 29.42 (-20)
A night after half brother Lenson Bocko had landed the Irish Derby, Melodys Secret (T5 5-2) pushed his Kent Derby claim for trainer Spencer Mavrias. The former local grader beat Honour Turbo (T3) and Camps Star (T2) in 29.56 (-40). Lightfoot Oscar (T1) was the beaten 6-4 favourite.
The draw for the semi finals will take place after Wednesday’s third place run-off between
