Norwich based Murrys Act produced one of the fastest performances ever seen at Yarmouth to land his opening heat of the Sunbets 71st East Anglian Greyhound Derby.

Kevin Boon’s Coral Champion Stakes winner produced arguably the performance of his career to clock 27.27 (+10) for the 462m, a time only bettered by two other runners and a great omen for future success in the competition.

On a fine night’s racing, most of the big names went through, the shocks were the elimination of local favourite All About Class, plus big race finalists Kooga Klammer, Savana Donie, and Oscar Junior.

All going allowances (+10) – footage courtesy of GreyhoundsNow

Heat 1 went to Hiya Butt (T1 2-5f), from kennelmate Roxholme Will Iam (T4) and Droopys Who (T2). The winner’s time was 27.51 and the distances three lengths and a head.

Heat 2 went to Theos Rocket (T2 7-2), from My Mate Max (T4) and Kilgraney Brae (T3). Denno Rob Roy (T5) started the 5-2f. The winner’s time was 27.77 and the distances were one and a quarter and one and three quarters.

Heat 3 went to 7-4f Murrys Act (T6). He was followed home by the 2015 winner Do It For Twiggy (T1) and Barricane Jack (T3). The winner’s time was 27.27, and the distances eight and a quarter and a short head.

Heat 4 was won by Forest Chunk (T3 2-1) from Minglers Toure (T4) and Mandeville Fly (T5). The winner clocked 27.50, and the distances were four and three quarters and the same. All About Class (T1) was the 7-4f.

Heat 5 saw the double landed for Kevin Boon and Knockard Spring (T3 7-1). Off the fastest sectional of the night (5.26), and following 12 successive defeats, he beat Marians Dream (T1 2-1f) and You Little Jimbo (T6 12-1). The winner’s time was 27.52 and the distances two and a half and two and a quarter.

Heat 6 saw the second leg of a Kevin Hutton double as Velvet Blaze (T2 4-1) led home Oakfield Caesar (T6 5-1) and Thomas Golden (T5 7-1). Oscar Junior (T1 5-4f) finished fourth. The winner’s time was 27.87.

Heat 7 featured a winning return for the 2016 runner-up Bubbly Turbo (T2 5-4f). Paul Young’s runner beat Russelena Planet (T4 9-1) and Deanridge Gizmo (T6 20-1) in 28.02, the distances a head and two and three quarters. Dorotas Hooligan (T3 7-4) was the third of Charlie Lister’s five runners to be eliminated.

Heat 8 went to the sensational Bubbly Bluebird (T1 4-5f). Second favourite Newinn Shadow (T6 3-1) also qualified though the fancied pair were separated by the white jacketed 40-1 chance Burgess Sugarray. The winner’s time, 27.63, and the distances four and three quarters and four lengths.