Newcastle received the requisite 36 runners for the £12,500 ARC Northern Puppy Derby which gets underway on Thursday.

GM Ian Walton said: “We’ve got to be happy with that. We’ve been well supported once again.

“We’ve had quite a lot trial well but there are a lot of unexposed pups in there who could be much more well known in a few months time. I know Diane Henry thinks a lot of hers, and I gather Maxine Locke and Kevin Hutton do too.”

Neck on the line, pick out a local.

Ian said: “It would have to be Havana Meanie. When he first came to the track he won an A4 and an open at Nottingham but was then beaten in a couple of A3s. So you think, ‘nice pup, but a good grader’.

“But since he has come back in the new year, he has come on a bundle. He won a Doncaster open in 28.64 and then did a 28.74 around here. He would have to be a big player you would have thought. Let’s not forget, this was the competition where Links Maverick made his reputation last year.”

And one raider?

“I like the look of Maxine Locke’s Droopys Eunice. She has trialed really well and should progress with mnore experience of the track.”

Full form


Following some fabulous trials at Monmore, as mentioned yesterday, some more of the KSS string have been making a first appearance of 2024 at Hove.

While joint English Derby favourite King Memphis rocked up with a flying 16.21- Gougane Jet’s FOY in 2023 was 16.13 – he wasn’t the star of the show.

That honour belonged to his litter sister Queen Shakira with a stunning 16.11. The track was assessed as -5.

Full session


Suffolk Downs have been given an extension on closing times for opens this Thursday 1st February 2024. The opens will now close tomorrow @ 12 noon

Still to be filled are –

  • Suffolk Dash Trophy Competition
  • Suffolk Dual Distance Trophy Competition (heats over 388m Final over 548m)
  • 716 Maiden