Greyhound 'superstars' show their best at Monmore
Monmore Green racing manager Tony Williamson has heaped praise on Vhagar and Headford Dane after their ‘superstar showings’ on the track’s biggest night this year.
Vhagar, trained privately by Mark Wallis and owned by the MWD Partnership, clocked a stellar 37.54 seconds to win the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic crown over 630m last weekend.
Headford Dane, trained by Romford’s Maxine Locke and owned by the JR Racing Syndicate, then claimed the Ladbrokes Gold Cup with a flying 27.79s over the standard 480m trip – adding to his Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby success at the Wolverhampton circuit back in March.
Williamson, who has been at Monmore for more than 30 years, was blown away by their performances in the two major events.
“Vhagar was Mark Wallis’ 100th Category One winner and our congratulations go to him for reaching such a milestone,” said Williamson. “Vhagar is a wonderful bitch. When the greyhounds came into paddock to be weighed in before racing, I was taken aback by how wonderful she looked with her shining coat. Mark and the team got her in tip-top shape, and she certainly delivered in the final.
“Headford Dane, as well, what a training performance from Maxine Locke. To win the Puppy Derby here in the spring and then come back and claim the Gold Cup in August, it’s unprecedented.
“I’ve not known it happen in my time and speaks volumes to the quality of the dog and how he’s been handled. Two very deserving champions from what was a fantastic night of racing on the whole.
“We paid tribute to a Monmore legend in Peter Billingham with his Memorial Trophy won by another brilliant Maxine Locke prospect, Turnthemagicon.
“The Vixon Contracts Ltd Trophy final was won by one of our own trainers, Nathan Hunt with his consistent performer Scooby The Boss.
“Both Richie Taberner and Brian Thompson enjoyed two winners on the night as well with some top displays.
“In terms of racing, it’s the strongest night we’ve had this year and a joy to be involved with it.”
From the best standard of racing, Monmore then enjoyed its largest crowd in more than a year for the Bank Holiday afternoon meeting on Monday.
More than 750 customers piled in to witness the 12-race card and take in the various activities aside from the racing itself including meeting retired racers from Greyhound Trust Wolverhampton.
Saturday evening sees them host more Open races with six on the card. General admission is free as Monmore continues its National Greyhound Week celebrations.
