DROOPYS CLUE edged out the gallant Queen Georgia in a thrilling finish to the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic Final at Monmore to land the Seamus Cahill-trained, Alex Hambi and Keylight Hire Ltd-owned Greyhound of the Year another major title.

The Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger champion had been touched off by Fromposttopillar in last year’s event, but this time was able to turn the tables on a Liz McNair-trained runner as he wore her down on the run for home to claim gold in the £10,000 feature.

Queen Georgia was first to show from lid-rise but the eventual winner was soon on the premises and closed into the third bend with a smart burst of middle pace only for the door to be shut on him as the Time 3 Steps To Victory winner maintained the advantage.

However, renewing his effort as the race unfolded down the far side, Droopys Clue closed again on Queen Georgia and, now challenging on the outside, stayed on the stronger to nose in front close home for a head victory in 37.54sec (normal). Coral Regency winner Baywatch Bullet stayed on well to finish third.

The victory completed a Hove-based big-race double given Richard Rees’s Churchfield Syd had landed an impressive all-the-way victory in the Ladbrokes Gold Cup in the preceding contest – so it was a good 20 minutes or so for the Sussex track.

“Yes, it certainly was – and full credit to both Churchfield Syd and Droopys Clue,” said Tony Williamson, Monmore racing manager, who oversaw the meeting and was on hand at the presentation podium along with stadium manager Paul Mason for the major events.

“Both of our big trophies headed back down south this year – and you’d have to say it was fully deserved. Actually, I’m not sure the script could have been written better given both were second last year. Churchfield Syd was just superb and unbeatable in the Gold Cup, but the Summer Stayers Classic went to the wire – literally.

“It really was last-stride time which, after 630m, is always pretty special – especially when it comes to a Category One event. Fair play to the Queen Georgia and the McNairs. Their bitch hardly put a foot wrong in the competition, but Droopys Clue is a very worthy winner and addition to the roll of honour. He’s one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Two Category Threes were also held on the night with Carl Jackson’s Lion Heart repeating his heat victory in the final of the Peter Billingham Memorial Trophy Final over 480m – the Newcastle raider won from Keylogues Runner (Liz McNair) in 28.22sec (normal) – while there was a dead-heat in a brilliant @Monmoredogs Dash Final over 264m.

Local hope Knock Beeswing (Brian Thompson) broke in front and led everywhere except on the line when Tullymurry Dylan (Maxine Locke) joined issue, the pair crossing the line together in 15.49sec (normal) for the 264m trip.

Williamson added: “It was a great night all-round. Some brilliant performances, great excitement for a big crowd, and the start of what was a great weekend for myself. I went to the Wolves game on the Sunday to see Chelsea win – which also made me happy. I’m very much a blue. I couldn’t have asked for a better few days!”

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