ALNWICK MATT produced a strong-running performance to strike gold for the locals in the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby at Newcastle on Wednesday.

The Angela Harrison-trained two-year-old, owned by John Hardman and the Newcastle handler herself, came again on the run for home to justify favouritism, catching trackmate Viva La Vegas (Stuart Tighe) to take the £3,000 prize for the GBGB Category Two event by one and a half lengths in 28.77sec.

Alnwick Matt is a September 2018 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Droopys Benz, the dam being a sister of a former GBGB Greyhound of the Year in Droopys Buick, who Harrison and partner Jimmy Wright trained for the Conlon family. This regular winner started his career in A5 company and had recently been competing in A2s and handicap events at the Arc venue.

Delighted to be part of the presentation on the night, chair of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum (BGBF) Liz Mort said: “Well done and congratulations to Angela and Jimmy, and all their team, and to John Hardman as well. He was there to accept the trophy which was brilliant.

“It was a great run and a really exciting final for our BGBF Maiden Derby – well done to all the finalists and their connections. Of course, it was a shame only four greyhounds were able to line up but they still produced a cracking contest.

“Overall it was a good evening for British-bred racing. As well as the final we saw three standard distance races and a sprint – all for British-breds – so thanks to the team at Newcastle for hosting the event so well. It was also good to see owners back in the restaurant – we’re not quite back to ‘normal’, but we’re on the way!

“Covid and Brexit have meant a lot of breeders have not wanted or been able to send their bitches to Ireland to be mated – and this has resulted in more stud dogs standing in the UK.

“Hiya Butt, whose litter out of Acomb Ruby have been so successful for Kevin Ferguson, is standing with Richard Devenish in Cambridgeshire along with Roxholme Hat and Roxholme Nidge – Richard tells us all three are covering bitches and Hiya Butt, especially, is very busy!

“Kevin (Ferguson) has a second Acomb Ruby litter by Hiya Butt coming along well so they’ll be worth watching – as will be offspring from one of the north east’s favourite sons, Ice On Fire. He’s proving very popular at stud and already has quite a few litters on the ground.”

Mark Cranston, commentating for Sky Sports Racing on the final, said: “The BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby served up a real treat for both racegoers and viewers, despite the two non-runners.

“The betting for the race was ultra-tight and clearly a real puzzle for punters, despite the small field. Eventually it was Alnwick Matt who lifted the trophy after managing to pick up Viva Las Vegas and Acomb Hugo in the latter stages.

“At one point Alnwick Matt looked set for a comfortable success but suffered an interrupted passage at the third bend before regaining momentum. Ultimately it was a well deserved victory considering his wins recently have been in handicaps, so this added to the challenge.

“The crowd was terrific on the night – signs of the old times – as they cheered on their favourite. It helped make for a pleasant atmosphere which was great to witness for such a good final.”