FACE THE STORM heads into Saturday’s final of the Star Sports Welsh Derby at Valley Stadium as the new track record holder after impressing in the second semi-final of the revived Classic at the South Wales venue.

Trained by Mike Burton, the July 2024 son of Pestana and Droopys Onestop soon had his rivals in arrears as he raced away for a seven and three-quarter lengths success over Simpson Sniper (Shaun Chappell) in a new best-ever of 27.65sec (normal) for 460m.

The victory followed up an equally comprehensive heat victory and made it four wins in a row at the track, including over the six-bend 645m trip.

Face The Storm also numbers victories at Monmore over both 480m and 630m and previously at Oxford (450m) but has really flourished at Valley.

“He runs the track really well and, for a dog who stays well, when he’s got loose the time was always going to be there, but the track record was a nice surprise!” said Burton. “Hopefully he can do that in the final, especially given our other fella (Magical Hawk) just missed out in his semi.”

On a general note, Burton said he was delighted to be supporting the track where he held a contract at, before concentrating on his team of open racers.

“And to get the Welsh Derby back is brilliant – and timely,” he added. “They’re great people there, love their greyhounds, and Saturday for final night promises to be a great occasion – and I’m sure very busy again, as it was last weekend.

“You could see from the semis people hanging over the fence to get a view of the dogs and it’ll be the same at the weekend, even more so. Well done to all who’ve managed to get these events on – and to the sponsors, of course, who do a great job for the sport.”

Face the Storm aside, the other Star Sports Welsh Derby semis were won by David Hunt’s Sawpit Signature from Gwyn Luka (Josh Morris) in 28.14sec (normal) and Donna Davy’s Fastlane George from Hoholetsgo (Frank Bryce) in 28.61sec (normal).