DEADLY DISCO (8-1) upset the odds when landing a popular – and thrilling – local victory in the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final at Hove on Saturday.

On a night the £10,000-to-the-winner contest shared billing with the Coral Olympic Final (see separate story), the Richard Rees-trained, Five Fellas syndicate-owned July 2022 son of Ballymac Bolger and Bling Bling Lola nosed in front close home for the narrowest of victories in a blanket finish for the 740m decider.

In a race in which the formbook was turned on its head once Mongys Wild (Mark Wallis), the 1-5 favourite, was shuffled to the back of the pack approaching the second turn and soon found himself with a mountain to climb, it was Yarmouth raider Cartoonist (Craig Morris) who cut out the early running from fast-trapping Deadly Disco in second.

Closing down the back straight second time, Deadly Disco ranged up alongside Cartoonist around the last bends, with defending champion Garfiney Blaze (Mark Wallis), always on the premises after a quick start than usual, also making a move and looking for a route on the inside but then forced to check when that gap closed.

Garfiney Blaze rallied well and was joined by Ballymac Nova (Pamela Cross), while off the back favourite Mongys Wild was also flying and gaining ground with every stride. However, the impetus and advantage was with Deadly Disco on the run for home and he grabbed Category One gold by a head from Garfiney Blaze, Ballymac Nova and Mongys Wild.

Less than two lengths separated the first five home with the six-bend contest proving a rollercoaster for those watching, including Charlie Rees, son and kennelhand for his father Richard, who said: “We always knew he had in him. It was just a case of getting him to a final – that was the hardest part – then it was all to play for. 

“He has loads of ability but also showed plenty of guts on Saturday as well. We really thought he had to lead in that sort company, but he’s come back at them well.

“We’re delighted for the owners – they’re a great bunch of lads. We’ll give him a couple of weeks off then prepare him for the (Arc) Cesarewitch at Central Park.”

Hove racing manager Rob Abrey congratulated all Saturday’s winners but in particular Deadly Disco and Proper Heiress, the Coral Olympic champion once again.

Abrey said: “We always knew Mark (Wallis) held the strongest of hands in both finals. Proper Heiress was just awesome here once again. He’s the best I’ve ever seen and it’s been a pleasure to see him regularly race at Hove.

“And while you’d have to say Mongys Wild was a touch unlucky in the 740m final, we’re all delighted to see a local champion of the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial in Deadly Disco. He took his chance well once getting himself in the race so soon and has run out a deserving winner – and what a race it was! 

“It really wasn’t until they crossed the line that you could be certain who’d win – and they all played their part on a brilliant night’s racing and a real Xmas treat for a big crowd here.”

 

Photos: © Steve Nash