KILMESSAN PUMA ran the race of his life to score a surprise but fully deserved victory in Friday’s Coral Essex Vase Final at Romford.

The David Mullins-trained runner, landing the local handler a first Essex Vase finalist with his first finalist, had won both his heat and semi-final in all-the-way fashion – at odds of 14-1 in each – but went off an even bigger price (16-1) to grab gold in the £10,000-to-the-winner 575m annual.

However, once again fleet-of-foot from lids-rise, the August 2016 son of Skywalker Puma and Talitas Gold – the joint-oldest finalist along with Swift Tarquin – was soon bossing proceedings on his way to a 13.58sec split and a 35.47sec (normal) victory. That, however, does not quite tell the whole story.

Droopys Addition was also well away and looked a major threat to Kilmessan Puma as Ernie Gaskin eyed a repeat of his victory with Droopys Aoife in the event 12 months ago. Favourite Sparta Master (Sharon Thompson), after missing the break and taking a first bend bump, showed great pace to also join issue.

The destination of the GBGB Category One trophy was now with this trio. However, Kilmessan Puma was not for stopping and, as his nearest rivals bumped and jostled for position in behind, the local star maintained a healthy advantage and crossed the line one and a half lengths clear of Droopys Addition.

Owned by Robin Frost, Mark Miller and brothers Dean and Des Vickers, Kilmessan Puma has always run at the top level at Romford over both 400m and 575m and was a regular top-grade winner – but his performances during the Essex Vase proved a pleasant surprise to the winning trainer who has enjoyed a superb 2020.

“He’s never run better and has amazed me,” said Mullins. “He’s just in the best form of his career and won’t be denied! His owners have been on cloud nine ever since he won in the heats at a big price, then in the semis he did it again.

“So it was great to see the brothers Des and Dean (Vickers) there – and that generally owners can come and see their dogs run. Their father had dogs before them and they just enjoy being involved – but I think this is beyond their wildest dreams. I know Dean was talking about having backed him ante-post at major prices, too, so they’re very happy people!

“Puma’s an August 16, so we’re coming to that time when you think about retirement. I suppose if you wanted to go out at the top wth him, who could blame the owners? It’s certainly very tempting, but we’ll have a chat. I suppose next year’s Essex Vase being only three weeks away might be an obvious route. We’ll see.”

Reflecting on a superb year, in which the likes of Shrewd Call and Tenpin have also won GBGB Category One competitions for the Romford handler, Mullins has now consolidated a top-five position in the 2020 Trainer of the Year race, just in front of his brother John, and praised those who have made it possible.

“I’ve got a fantastic team behind me, probably the best I’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s a very young team and they’re very enthusiastic, love their racing, and give great support to myself, Julie (wife) and Kelly (Gutteridge, assistant trainer). It’s hard work we know, but we try to have a laugh – and nights like this do make it easier!”

The Romford card also included the Mitch Millward Marathon Final, which remembers the popular late owner.

It was won in last-gasp style by Micks Little Gem, who swooped late to collar Stardom on the line to win by a head in 47.51sec and claim the £1,000 prize for trainer Michelle Brown and owners Malcolm Dickerson, Peter Fairs, Colin Mackay and Michelle’s mum Hazel.

Mark Arkell, Romford racing manager, said: “It was a night of shocks and Kilmessan Puma was probably the biggest.

“Hats off to Dave Mullins and his team, given his greyhound won all three rounds at big prices and, the way he’s been performing, absolutely deserved to go through the competition unbeaten.

“It was also fitting to once again remember Mitch (Millward), who was such a popular owner. Thanks to Steve (Fluin) and the Champagne Club for their support – and great that the Mitch Millward Marathon Final produced such a brilliant finish with Micks Little Gem taking over from Stardom at the line.”

Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=368503&raceId=695327