The theory that entering an open racer in the Laurels would be as productive as taking coals to Newcastle. Pat Rosney and The Other Reg proved otherwise in the Laurels Final on Saturday night.
As they went to traps, perceived wisdom was that Droopys Expert would fulfill the prophecy that the event was ‘always going to be won by a local dog’.
Unbeaten The Other Reg (Razldazl Jayfkay-The Other Peach, Jul 15) had other ideas as, once again, he bombed away (4.56 sect) to an early lead. By the third bend Droopys Expert (4.66) had drawn level and made an attempt to pass but had the gap close down on him.
Reg rallied and pulled away to win by two lengths in the fastest time of the night – 28.38.
It was Reg’s twelfth win in 28 UK races. They included the Racing Post Puppy Stake at Shawfield, a £500 final at Nottingham. He reached the third round of the Derby and final of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup – whilst still a pup.
For trainer Pat Rosney, who had previously won the event with Mileheight Alba, it was a sign of the dog’s growing maturity.
He said: “Earlier in his career, if Droopys Expert had drawn alongside him, in fact possibly led him briefly, Reg wouldn’t have been able to rally. But he is a lot stronger dog these days.
“I was particularly pleased for Mick and Mark Jones who are as good as owners as its possible to get. They take the rough with the smooth, and in recent times there has been a lot more rough than smooth.
“It isn’t so long ago they paid out £2,500 for an operation on a young dog knowing he would never race again.
“Reg was been a cracking little dog for them. He started out with a few problems because he kept turning in the traps. He loves attention which meant he kept wanting to be with you. He is such an affectionate little dog, he reminds me very much of Swift Hoffman.
“We will put him away for the winter now, and fingers crossed, have a crack at the Scottish Derby next year.”
Reg was one of five open class litter brothers send to Pat by Jennifer O’Donnell. The Other Bear has since been sold on to Seamus Cahill. Gold Cup finalist The Other Ben, will hopefully soon return following a back injury.
Vatican Rocco – formerly The Other Rocco – is described by his trainer as “an absolute flying machine, who unfortunately, saves all his best form for trials”.
Which leaves the unfortunate The Other Billy who went lame at Sunderland shortly after going unbeaten to the the Betfred Gymcrack Final at Kinsley.
Pat said: “He was very slow away in a trial at Sunderland and the next day one of his hind feet was completely bent back to a point that his pads were pointing upwards. There was clearly nerve damage and we feared for the worst.
“We decided to give him six months to see if he would recover or if he would have to be re-homed. So far, so good. The foot looks normal and he is fine on the walking machine. Whether he will race again remains to be seen, but we remain hopeful.”
