FACE THE STORM created history at Valley by becoming the first winner of the Welsh Derby since 1977 after Mike Burton’s runner followed up his track record-breaking run in the semis by duly landing the £5,000 final of the Star Sports-backed showpiece in front of a bumper crowd at the South Wales venue.

Trained by Mike Burton, formerly based at the venue, the July 2024 son of Pestana and Droopys Onestop finished fastest of all to reel in Simpson Sniper (Shaun Chappell) on the run for home to land a two-length victory in 27.87sec (normal) for the 460m contest and add his name to a famous roll of honour

The win sparked joyous scenes among connections of the Severn Racing Club-owned runner with the victory of Burton’s charge particularly popular given the trainer’s support of the under-threat track on a night the late Valley owner and promoter Malcolm Tams was also honoured with a memorial race as part of a mainly open-race card in Ystrad Mynach.

Valley’s Joe Tams, Malcolm’s grandson, said he was delighted with how the night unfolded and thanked all those who made it possible.

“There was pretty much a full house in the bar and big queues for the bookies,” he said. “It was a great crowd with no issues and a good mix of people having fun and enjoying the racing.

“It was nice to also be visited by two Senedd members from the Reform party in Catherine Cullen and Cai Parry-Jones who have taken an interest in the greyhound racing ban and now seek to challenge it in the Senedd.

“There were some big runs in the supporting races on the night, especially Ohtherejet in the Malcolm Tams Memorial Trophy Final.

“A dog trained by Adrian Rawlings and owned by Terry Hibbert and Martyn Kitt, this was very fitting with Martyn starting the recent petition to challenge the greyhound racing ban in Wales.

“The Star Sports Welsh Derby Final itself was also a great race, with Simpson Sniper running a stormer before getting picked up on the run-in by Face The Storm who again clocked a very impressive time. Well done to Mike Burton and his team.

“Our thanks go to Star Sports who deserve a lot of credit for helping to bring back the Welsh Derby. It wouldn’t have been possible without their sponsorship.

“Overall, it was a great night and we hope to do it again next year.”