GINGERS PRINCE edged out Rioja Oisin to land a thrilling final of the BetGoodwin Pall Mall at Oxford to add his name to a famous roll of honour.

From the likes of Pigalle Wonder and Mile Bush Pride, through to Game Ball, Yankee Express, Tims Crow and, more recently, Links Maverick, the Pall Mall’s list of previous winners is up there with the very best and Patrick Browne’s December 2022 son of Ballymac Cashout and Mystical Luna now joins an illustrious list.

Lining up a 7-1 chance against Arc Scurry Gold Cup and Silver Salver winner Rioja Oisin (11-8F), it was the latter who broke best and led into the bend, opening up what looked a race-winning lead down the back. He was being chased hard by kennelmate Union Rebel, at which point Kevin Hutton was in pole position for a first Pall Mall title.

However, pacing up well himself to turn third, Gingers Prince now made real progress down the back-straight, nipping up the inside of Union Rebel, and setting his sights on the leader as they turned for home.

Running on strongly, Gingers Prince joined Rioja Oisin on the line for a short-head success in 26.43sec (-10) for the 450m big-race trip. Coral Golden Sprint winner Union Rebel crossed the line in third.

Victory for Gingers Prince at Oxford landed Hove trainer Patrick Browne a first Category One success.

Owned by Alan Lucas, Gingers Prince had showed real promise early in his career and finished third in last year’s Coral Romford Puppy Cup in just his fourth start.

Wins back at Romford later followed but a setback early this year sidelined the Hove raider for a number of months before returning to the track earlier this month in a trial stakes for the Pall Mall at Oxford – an event he ultimately won!

“It’s a brilliant training performance, one of the best I’ve read about and seen with my own eyes,” said Julian Head of big-race sponsors BetGoodwin.

“It was a great race and even when they crossed the line we really had no idea who’d won – it was that close,” added Head. “Fair play to Patrick and Jade Browne and the family, but also well done to Kevin Hutton and his team because Rioja Oisin ran a stormer.

“It was a great night all-round and we were delighted to back the Pall Mall. It’s one of the biggest races in the greyhound calendar and many thanks to (Oxford promoter) Kevin Boothby and the family for their hospitality on the night.”

Photo: © Steve Nash