SLINGSHOT POPPY became the shortest-priced favourite in the event’s history when again producing a top-class performance to win the Arena Racing Company Angel of The North over 480m at Newcastle.

The 1-14 chance had got to within five spots – just over half a length – of Droopys Shearer’s track record in the semis with a sensational 27.95sec win and Brian Fairbairn’s bitch was expected to follow up in the £7,500 final which the October 2023 daughter of Grangeview Ten and Global Glengar duly did once leading into the bend.

Thereafter the Craig Armstrong-owned runner drew clear for a five and a quarter length success in another super-quick 28.02sec (+10) time for the 480m trip, crossing the line in front of runner-up Coppice Saphire, lining up in her second Angel of The North final.

The latter’s trainer Jimmy Fenwick later landed a superb one-two in the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat Final with Woltemade leading home Wicky Ned, while the trainer/owner combination of Brian Fairbairn and Craig Armstrong had earlier also struck with Slingshot Gazza (16.85sec +5) in the Arc Summer Dash Final.

Newcastle general manager Ian Walton, overseeing another major double-header at the Byker venue, was delighted with how the evening went.

He said: “We had some incredible performances and, without doubt, Woltemade and Slingshot Poppy are the King and Queen of Newcastle!

“Both produced brilliant times and some breathtaking breaks from the traps – especially Slingshot Poppy who is just a star and was roared on by her large group of supporters, many down from Scotland. There was a great atmosphere.

“I thought Wicky Ned ran a cracker in the Northern Flat final as he continued his comeback and, on the supporting card, I thought Tom Heilbron’s Droopys Bookem looked an exciting recruit to the stayers ranks when winning over 640m.

“But back to the main event and Time Greyhound Nutrition as sponsors were treated to a brilliant final and their competition continues to grow each year. We thank them for their support.”