DROOPYS DISPLAY produced a career-best performance to grab Category One gold in the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby Final at Central Park – setting a new track record in the process.

Trained by Romford’s Maxine Locke for the JR Racing Syndicate, the June 2022 son of Dromana Bucko and Droopys Zero was soon in charge on the outside once breaking smartly and made every metre of the 491m trip – and with the £20,000 first prize.

Denying King Memphis (4-7F) and El Tornillo (Dave Lee) the lead had been key to success for the 18-1 chance. However, once trapping smartly and pacing up in the turn, the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby fourth was soon in charge.

Maintaining the gallop all the way to the wire, Droopys Display crossed the line three and three-quarter lengths clear of Liz McNair’s multiple big-race winner King Memphis, who stayed on well for second.

For winning trainer Locke, victory proved a surreal experience given a family holiday abroad meant listening to commentary on a packed plane!

“I think it was obvious I was pretty happy!” she said. “I think everyone knew I was cheering something on, but probably didn’t know it was a greyhound race. We’d just landed and a few people asked what it was about – it was certainly a great way to start the holiday and I’m just delighted for the kennel and the owners.

“I’ve got a few people to thank – not least Central Park and the sponsors Premier Greyhound Racing for backing the Kent Derby.

“It’d also like to thank the girls at the kennels – Jo, Megan, Cherry and Parise – and not forgetting Finn. I have a top team behind me and, with Jack Russell, Gavin O’Mahoney, Rob Howe, and my dad, buying dogs together it’s very exciting times for us all.

“We always knew Display had it in him. He really has so much pace but hadn’t been himself for a while. Remember, you go back to his Newcastle form and he reached the final unbeaten then.

“Then he went to Monmore and won a puppy race there – and that form looks pretty good now,” added Locke about a race in which Droopys Display led home Union Rebel, Barntick Bear, Gary The Arb, Antigua Eagle (ex Omuircheartaigh) and Keel Maverick.

“Thankfully we saw him coming back to himself in recent weeks and he definitely produced his best in the final. He’s back firing now and Saturday really was amazing, not just for the guys at the track but for me – even though I wasn’t there!”

Locke has outlined the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse at Nottingham and Coral Olympic at Hove as possible targets for Droopys Display now.