ROXHOLME NIDGE’S vice-like grip on the RPGTV 73rd East Anglian Greyhound Derby remains after a fastest-of-the-event 27.44sec in Saturday’s semi-finals of the Category One annual at Yarmouth.

After the formbook was turned on its head in the first semi, there was relief from the Roxholme Nidge camp as the favourite trapped in front in the second semi and produced another faultless display as he crossed the line five lengths clear of Seaglass Tiger (Patrick Janssens) and Dower Product (Philip Simmonds).

“It was another excellent effort, but I have to admit to being mightily relieved seeing him win,” said Mark Keightley, husband of winning trainer Hayley. “The first semi saw the outside traps really dominate, despite their big prices, and you begin to think perhaps things will go against us.

“However he came out running and was soon clear and continues to go well here at Yarmouth. He’ll need the time between semis and final, and so will Hayley. It’s her TLC between races that does the trick for him – he’s four in November, remember.”

Winner of three Category Ones already – a Romford Puppy and two Steel City Cups – Roxholme Nidge had to miss an intended engagement in the Select Stakes after suffering a setback in the Sunderland Classic semis, but now lines up as favourite for the Yarmouth Derby Final on Thursday.

“It’s where we hoped we’d be, but it’s a shame Roxholme Glory couldn’t make it through also. He had no luck in the first semi and tried hard to get back into qualification contention, but just missed out. We might look at a race on final night for him and a few of the others.”

The first semi-final saw 8-1 chance Mary Goodnight (Sandra Clayton) strike for the locals as the two-year-old finished best to lead home Eric Cantillon’s pair of Tree Top Danny (12-1) and Rockburst Dutch (28-1) for a tricast very few would have landed! The winning time was 28.02sec.

However, the trio now line up in Thursday’s £15,000-to-the-winner decider and track director Simon Franklin is hoping for another fantastic night’s racing at the seaside venue as part of the town’s racing festival – horses and greyhounds – this week.

He said: “It should be a great night here on Thursday – again. Three finals and, of course, the 73rd East Anglian Greyhound Derby Final – and thanks go to RPGTV for their sponsorship. We’ve had another great competition this year already.

“I’d like therefore to take the opportunity to thank those owners and trainers for supporting not just our Derby, but also the Derby Purse and the IPA Sprint – and all the supporting open races on the night which will make the evening so special.”

Thursday’s RPGTV 73rd East Anglian Greyhound Derby Final: 1 Seaglass Tiger, 2 Rockburst Dutch, 3 Roxholme Nidge, 4 Dower Product, 5 Mary Goodnight (w), 6 Tree Top Danny (w).