CHURCHFIELD SYD went one better than in 2023 when running away with the £10,000 Ladbrokes Gold Cup Final as Monmore staged a bumper Category One double-header along with Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic – in which Droopys Clue also went one better!

However, the story in the 480m annual was all about Churchfield Syd as the brilliant Richard Rees-trained, Daryl Bear and Steve and Billy Evans-owned Derby fourth utilised a fast start and his trademark burst of early pace to seal victory in the race to the first bend, given he was very much in command from the get-go and at the turn.

Untold Euro took at tumble in behind but checked our fine afterwards and it was left to Antigua Eagle (Kevin Hutton) to chase home the Hove raider who crossed the line five and a half lengths clear of that rival and Ballymac John (Mark Wallis) in 28.00sec (normal).

The victory delighted connections of the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby champion, especially coming at Monmore where he first starred in last year’s Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby before injury struck.

“Everyone remembers that race when he was clear in the semis – and I think most of us thought that was his career over then,” said winning trainer Rees.

“But we got him back with some great work from all the team, especially Jackie (wife) and Charlie (son) and he’s never really looked back. Even in last year’s Gold Cup when he was only beaten by one dog – a certain Links Maverick – was encouraging. He improved for each run and it was no disgrace then behind such a great dog.

“We knew he’d come on again and, reaching the Birmingham Cup final, then winning the Kent Derby was superb. Everyone knows our feelings about the Winter Derby and we’ve had to deal with that – he won it fair and square. So I suppose you could say we had some unfinished business at Monmore – and I’m so pleased for the owners.

“However, I have to say the track itself in terms of conditions, and the staff and management there, have been top notch and we always enjoy sending runners there. We’ve generally been quite lucky there and it was great for the kennel to be a part of such a great occasion, a really big night for the sport.

“The Birmingham Cup just comes too soon, so we’ll likely give him a couple of weeks off then look at Central Park and the (Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby) which he won last year.”

For his part, Charlie Rees was thrilled with how the Ladbrokes Gold Cup panned out for Churchfield Syd and was delighted to see the June 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Millbank Jade triumph in such convincing style.

“I’m just delighted for the dog himself to get another big win, especially at Monmore. I knew we had a massive chance before the competition and he’s backed it up again and I feel very lucky to have a runner like him.

“As soon as the lids opened we knew it was over. He really is just a dream dog to train and now we’re looking forward to the rest of the year with him!”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=415890&raceId=1063242