2 days Ago
Hopes of a local winner were dashed at Central Park on Saturday as Proper Heiress delivered a paw-perfect performance to scoop the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Kent Plate in front of a busy crowd. The Olympic and Winter Derby champion added a third Category One competition to his CV in only four months by beating joint favourite March On Freddie, who finished second, with Rab and Elizabeth McNair’s King Jackson third. The Ashford trainers were also counting on Queen Shakira, but she could only finish sixth behind Blue Riband champion Table Toppers and Scooby The Boss.
Elsewhere on the night local trainers landed both the Arena Racing Company Sprint and Arena Racing Company Bitches. King Presley might have fluffed the start in his qualifying heat, but he flew out of the boxes to win the sprint for the McNairs. Meanwhile, the biggest cheer was reserved for Head Count’s victory in the Bitches Trophy.
Barry O’Sullivan’s Cesarewitch finalist came from off the pace to win the £1,000 Category Three final. Proper Heiress’ Plate success capped a bumper night for trainer Mark Wallis, who was victorious at Central Park’s sister venue Perry Barr on the same evening when winning Judgement Night - greyhound racing’s own trainers’ championship. Assistant trainer Dan Wallis confirmed a tilt at the English Greyhound Derby at Towcester is next on the cards for their kennel star and was over the moon with the outcome.
“He already had a fantastic CV before the Kent Plate - Saturday’s result made it even stronger,” said Wallis. “He had to do everything right from trap four, and that’s exactly what he did. “He trapped well and ran a great first bend.
When he’s in front no greyhound can catch him so we’re delighted for everyone involved. “He stays the trip well and is an all-round dog. He has the early pace, middle pace and sees the trip out, it’s a privilege to have him in the kennel.
“The English Derby is our next target, he might run in the Juvenile, but our main focus is the Derby - we’re hopeful he’ll have a good run in the competition.” Greyhound racing continues at Central Park Stadium on Saturday nights through the spring and summer months. Category One action returns in June with the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver.
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