On a tough night for everyone at the Kent track after Entain announced plans to close the famous stadium after 38 years at the ‘new’ site, the greyhounds themselves were again the stars of the show with the John Mullins-trained Aayamza Sydney breaking his Category One duck in the £10,000 final – and breaking a longstanding track record in the process.

In fact, the multiple big-race finalist smashed the 540m track record at Crayford with a brilliant, career-best performance as a fast start saw the Ayamzaboys Syndicate-owned runner soon in control and, as a powerful sort, he was never in any danger and ran riot thereafter, pulling further clear with every stride.

At the line, Aayamza Sydney had stretched 11 and a quarter lengths clear of his rivals at the line, with winning trainer Mullins also fielding the runner-up Wrighty for a one-two for the Suffolk-based handler, who was winning the Gold Collar for a second time after Saving Sonic’s success in 2019 – his late father Pat won it in 1980 with Sport Promoter.

The winning time for Aayamza Sydney, also a Gold Collar last year, was an incredible 32.85sec, taking an amazing 24 spots – or three lengths – off 2017 Gold Collar champion Mayshighlandreel’s previous best of 33.09sec.

“It’s great to win one – and that dog definitely deserves it,” said Mullins of the multiple big-race finalist who in 2024 has featured in the finals of the Essex Vase, Birmingham Cup and Champion Stakes. “Hopefully it’s not the last Gold Collar at Crayford – it’s too good a track to lose – but if it is then I suppose he’s saved the best for last.

“A special thanks to Jeff Rayner who looked after things on the night.”

Aayamza Sydney was cheered on by members of the Ayamzaboys Syndicate with Nigel Smith, Mark and Lorraine Banning, and Steve Cragg on hand to collect the famous trophy from big-race sponsor Karl Brazier of Jay & Kay Coach Tours, who was also really impressed by the September 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Aayamza Breeze.

“When I saw him break like that, you knew it was all over,” said Brazier. “I was just looking at the clock going round and knew the track record was under threat but getting under 33 seconds was something else and just shows you what a great dog Sydney is.

“Well done to the owners and John (Mullins) for his one-two.

“It’s been an honour to sponsor this year’s Jay & Kay Coach Tours Gold Collar and I really hope it’s not the last. The timing of the announcement was hardly helpful to the staff just a few days away from their biggest night of the year but there was a real keenness among a few big players at Crayford on Sunday to do something about what’s been described as an “intended closure” and hopefully we can save Crayford.”