Unexpected Bullet takes out Vase

Winning a Category One final is a combination of ability, timing, and just a little bit of luck, particularly if the God of Trap Draws is on your side. 

When the early paced Roxys Bullet drew his favourite red jacket in an Essex Vase final of six railers, he seized the opportunity with all four blue brindle paws. Home bred and trained by Paul Burr, it was only by chance that he was entered in the event in the first place as his trainer/breeder explains

Christine and Geoff Miller (with a jubilant Paul Burr behind, leading the cheers) receive the Essex Vase trophy from Romford GM Karen McMillan after Roxys Bullet’s win Photo: © Steve Nash

Paul Burr celebrates a first Category One victory in 32 years of training, pictured with kennelhands Maisie Bourne (left) and Megan Rance, Burr’s niece, holding Roxys Bullet. Photo: © Steve Nash

ROXYS BULLET is centre of attention after winning the Essex Vase Photo: © Steve Nash

Pape delivery

Rather like a £40m footballer, the spotlight has been on Pape Di Oro since he left Ireland and joined Newcastle handler, Savva Roberts. (You don’t win a Tipperary Cup and expect to escape attention)

While one win in nine appearances might not have been a great return going into Friday night’s Silver Maiden Final, those stats don’t tell the whole story. For a start, those nine attempts include reaching two Category One Finals (finishing second in the ARC Classic). Also, that sole win, was last time out.

Had he turned the corner? Was Savva getting to grips with a dog whose promise was yet to deliver on this side of the Irish Sea. The punters kept the faith and made the brindle and white an odds-on favourite for the final.]

And this is how is went. . .

PAPE DI ORO romps the Coral Silver Maiden Final Photo: © Steve Nash

PAPE DI ORO – £5000 Coral Silver Maiden Final winner – with owner/trainer Savva Roberts (right) and Colin Campion. Photo: © Steve Nash

All pix – Steve Nash

COONOUGH CROW (t2) edges out Alright Patricia (t5) and Gutsy Jet (t3) in a thrilling finish to the one off £750 Marathon Invitation on Essex Vase night. Photo: © Steve Nash

MINNIE BULLET wins the ‘Premier Greyhound Racing Live with Sky and At The Races’ 575m open hoto: © Steve Nash

NEW DESTINY wins the Premier Greyhound Racing Stayers by over six lengths to conclude the Essex Vase Final night meeting Photo: © Steve Nash