ARKADY landed David Mullins an overdue victory in the event when blitzing his field to win the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby Final at Central Park on Sunday.

 

The Romford trainer had sent out the favourites of the two previous runnings of the GBGB Category One competition in the form of Tenpin and Brookside Richie and, while out of luck then, was hopeful again of landing the odds courtesy of Arkady, who went off the 15-8 favourite for the £20,000 annual.

 

Having produced an impressive exhibition of front-running in the semis, the September 2020 son of Droopys Jet and Good Legacy repeated the dose for Team Mullins in the 480m decider as a rapid 3.07sec split set up a decisive first-bend lead on his way to a four and a half lengths success in 28.82sec (-20).

 

The Claude Gardiner-trained Clairekeith Remy finished well to take second ahead of local hope Lizs Legacy (Tony Collett), with victory going to the Kelly Searle-owned Arkady, who had lined up as the youngest runner in the contest.

 

His delighted owner, who also owns 2020 GBGB Sprinter of the Year Shrewd Call, said: “I’m just thrilled with Arkady, not just after the final but throughout the whole competition. In fact, it’s safe to say that I’m still on cloud nine. I’ve watched the race a hundred times and will no doubt watch it a hundred more!

 

“It wasn’t our original plan to go for the Kent Derby as we knew it would be a huge ask after a three-month lay-off but now I’m obviously very glad we did. He’s a really handsome dog with a lovely nature and David and Julie Mullins and their team have done an amazing job getting him ready for what have easily been his toughest races to date.

 

“I’ve been very lucky with my dogs recently, not just with Arkady and Shrewd Call, but also with Prince Of Troy who won the Olympic at Hove for myself and Mick Gollogly, and who is currently enjoying his retirement.

 

“Shrewd Call is doing well and we are hoping to have him back in time for the National Sprint at Nottingham in December. This will be his last competition before we retire him to stud – and a sofa at home with me!

 

“I’d like to thank Premier Greyhound Racing for their very generous sponsorship of the Kent Derby and to Central Park for their hospitality.

 

“I would also like to say a special thank-you to John Paul McQuillan for ringing me – it was actually on my birthday! –  and telling me there was a dog for sale that I should take a look at. Without him I wouldn’t have Arkady, Shrewd Call or Prince Of Troy so I have a lot to thank him for.”

 

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=390516&raceId=885017