DROOPYS CHASER became the first winner of the Springbok at its new home with a solid round of jumping and front-running in the final of the Coral-backed novice hurdlers’ championship over 500m at Hove on Saturday.

On a night featuring four finals including the Premier Greyhound Racing Regency and Coral Sussex Cup, the Paul Young-trained, Geoff and Gary Bowmer-owned Droopys Chaser succeeded 2022 champion Lenson Doolin, who landed the last running of the competition at Central Park before its switch to Hove.

Completing an unbeaten run through the two-round event, the September 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Droopys Zero confirmed the promise of his heat success the previous week by pacing up to lead and never looked in trouble in the £5,000-to-the-winner GBGB Category Two decider.

Soon in charge on his way to a 3.62sec sectional, Droopys Chaser had his rivals strung out behind very quickly and jumped for fun up front to score a four-length success over Coppice Fox (Ricky Holloway) and Ritzy Flyer (Jim Reynolds) in 29.67sec (+10).

A delighted winning part-owner Geoff Bowmer said afterwards: “This is my first hurdler and we’ve won the Springbok so we’re well pleased – and thanks must go to Jim Austin (Racing Post) who suggested we put him over hurdles when he didn’t quite look straightforward at Towcester.”

Mim Young, wife and assistant of winning Romford trainer Paul, said the kennel always knew he had plenty of pace having competed in events such as the Juvenile Classic at Towcester, but that the switch to hurdles had been the making of him.

“He can still make the odd mistake but he’s improving and ran really well tonight. Thanks to all the team at Hove and to Barry O’Sullivan for schooling him. He’s done a great job and helped us win our first Springbok.”

Rob Abrey, Hove’s racing manager, said: “To be a part of finals’ night here as racing manager – and as a fan of the sport – really was something else. Saturday was one of those special nights that come round only once in a while.

“The greyhounds did the business on the track and everyone, whether here at the track or watching off-course, witnessed something very special.

“We saw the first running at Hove of the Springbok, an iconic event for novice hurdlers dating back to 1937, and it didn’t disappoint. Droopys Chaser only had one race over the sticks before the competition but that didn’t stop him claiming the spoils unbeaten.

“He showed jumping maturity beyond his years to claim a first Springbok for Romford trainer Paul Young and connections.