GOUGANE JET, the reigning GBGB Sprinter of the Year, sets the standard in today’s semi-finals of a red-hot Arena Racing Company Silver Salver at Central Park.

Lining up in heat four of the opening round, the prolific-scoring August 2020 son of Droopys Jet and Paper Doll made it 24 wins from 31 career starts – including his won and only start in Ireland at Galway – when quickly away and soon in charge before holding the running-on Impact George (Kevin Hutton) and Farneys Trend (Kevin Boon) in 16.10sec (-5).

Victory completed an Arc Silver Salver heat double for trainer Mark Wallis after Ballyard Shawny opened the event with a fluent success in heat one.

Taking advantage of a missed break from favourite Emers Sammy (Paul Donovan), Ballyard Shawny, an October 2020 son of Droopys Sydney and Distant Lucy, a litter brother of Derby entry Distant Podge and Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory winner Distant Emma, was soon in charge and on his way to success.

Crossing the line two and a half lengths clear of reigning champion Tintreach Jet (Paul Donovan) and Early Knight (Mark Wallis), Ballyard Shawny clocked 16.60sec (-5).

The Arc Silver Salver is a longstanding sprint competition, which has been upgraded to Category One status this year. It attracted serious interest from Ireland with the entry of top-class Flashing Willow and Pat Buckley’s speedster duly kicked off his latest UK campaign with victory in heat two.

A track record-breaking winner at Towcester last year on his only UK start, the May 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Cabbage was led from the boxes by Quarteira (Mark Wallis) but produced a strong-running effort to reel in the leader close home to win by a heat in 16.28sec (-5) with Dower Joe qualifying in third.

The remaining heat three went to the latter’s trainer Dan Brabon as Knockboy Kay blasted out and made all for a one and a half length success for the October 2019 son of Laughil Blake and Knockboy Kathy over Coolavanny Finn (Mark Wallis) and Crystal Blitz (Paul Donovan). The winning time was 16.23sec (-5).

Central Park racing executive Daniel Rankin said: “The Kent Silver Salver might have failed to get the 36 entries, but while it lacked in quantity it certainly has lacked in quality – especially with Irish interest.

“It was great to see Pat Buckley come over with Flashing Willow to contest the competition. Willow was very impressive in winning his first round heat in his first look round and also having to do it the hard way by coming from behind.

“Gougane Jet recorded the fastest time in winning the final heat and looks the one to beat, although Impact George ran really well to finish second.

“Ballyard Shawny caught the eye in his heat, albeit local runner Emers Sammy was unluckily eliminated here, while Dan Brabon’s Knockboy Kay got a win for the locals and was impressive in winning heat three. In fact it was a good night for the track with four locals all qualifying for Sunday’s semi-finals.

“Looking at the two semi-finals I feel Impact George could be value to get the better of Gougane Jet, while Flashing Willow should win the second semi-final with the danger being Farneys Trend who should improve for the look round.”

Trap draw for today’s semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Silver Salver: https://www.centralparkstadium.co.uk/assets/uploaded/files/documents/sunday-4th-june-advanced-card.pdf