SCOOBY DIAMOND has the Oaks at Dunstall Park as a possible target after playing her part in one of the biggest shocks for many a year at Romford on Friday.

In landing the £10,000-to-the-winner Coral Romford Puppy Cup Final at odds of 14-1, Scooby Diamond led home, among others, unbeaten hot favourite Magical Luka.

A missed break from the 1-8 shot meant the Irish star, with Hutton for the duration of the event and who had equalled the track record in the heats, was always playing catch-up.

Scooby Diamond led into the bend off a slick exit and the January 2024 daughter of Grangeview Ten and Scooby Duchess had them all under pressure in behind, albeit Magical Luka rushed up into the first bend, only to be crowded out.

Gathering himself again, he then tore down the back but challenged at the turn and was forced to check, giving the advantage very much to the leader who went on for a length success over running-on local hope Droopys Alldeway (Paul Young) and Magical Luka, who crossed the line in third. The winning time for the 400m was 24.20sec (normal).

Owned by Steve Noble and part of one of two sets of littermates in the final along with litter sister Aero Najem – runner-up Droopys Alldeway and his fourth-placed sister Underground Fizz (Paul Young) were the other littermates – Scooby Diamond had progressed from A6 and A5 wins at Monmore early on his career to Romford glory.

“She ran third on her debut, then second a week later, both in A6, then the penny dropped I suppose,” said winning trainer Hunt who, as assistant to former Romford trainer Phil Simmonds, had paraded 2018 Romford Puppy Cup winner Grays Cup Winner.

“She won back-to-back races at Monmore in A6 and A5 and it was clear she had that early pace to win races and Romford seemed the obvious way to go.

“I trained there for a good few years myself after taking over from Phil (Simmonds) and always enjoy going back – and we do okay. However, Friday really was so special and I’m delighted for all the team, but probably Steve (Noble, owner) most. He loves his dogs and, while we all know Luka’s a champion, it’s greyhound racing after all.

“You give yourself a chance if coming away at most tracks, but especially Romford. We just took our chance and its great to win a second Cat One. We won the Steel City Puppy Derby with Droopys Fidget a couple of years back and have had a few finalists since. It’s nice to win another and extra special being it was at Romford.

“I’d like to thank all my team for making this possible and the good news is that Diamond’s come out of the race well. She’ll be seen by Ron Mills as always to keep her in the best condition possible and we’ll maybe look for a trial at Dunstall Park.

“All being well that’s plan, but we’ve also got the (bet365) Puppy Oaks at Towcester as well.”

 

Photos: © Steve Nash