BOCKOS DOOMIE added his name to one of the most famous and certainly oldest rolls of honour in the sport when landing the Puppy Derby Final (460m) at Henlow on Sunday with another show of pace and power to claim the £5,000 prize.

Trained by Patrick Janssens for Beverly Lochead and Austin Whelan, Bockos Doomie headed to the rails from the traps as red-boxed Perrys Choice cut across the favourite as the lids opened. Soon handy against the fence at the bend, he was soon ready to strike.

Railing and leading off the second bend, he hit top gear down the back and shot away to win by five and three-quarter lengths from the not-disgraced Droopys Cannon (Dean Childs) who overcame a tough wide draw to finish behind the fast 27.24sec (normal) winner.

“He’s an exceptional talent and it’s just great he’s managed to win a big race so soon in his career,” said Janssens, for whom victory at the Bedfordshire track consolidated his position as current leader in the GBGB Trainer of the Year standings.

“His record already is a great one,” added Janssens. “He’s only had eight races and his only defeats have come in the Derby, which helpfully tells you something. He was a young dog in that sort of company, but still reached the third round.

“That was a challenge for him, but I wanted him to learn. He’s learned more at Henlow and I’m just delighted for Bev, Graham (Box) and Austin. They’re great supporters of the game – and ours – and I know Doomie is giving them a real buzz at the moment.

“All being well we’ll look for a trial at Nottingham and then aim for the Puppy Classic there. He’s got the experience at Notts during the Derby and ran the track well. I think he’s come forward since then.

“It was a busy weekend for us – but a good one. Magical Houdini was quite unlucky I thought in the Guys & Dolls at Crayford on Saturday. Then Doomie won at Henlow and Affleck Bolt won a six-bend event at Central Park on Sunday.

“Ria (daughter) was in charge at Central Park and also took our runners to Monmore on Saturday where we had two winners – Bockos Rory for Bev and Graham – and Lenson Whelan – for Austin and Lenny Ponder. Happy owners and a happy trainer!”

Henlow boss Kevin Boothby said: “I thought it was a tremendous final and winner looks like he’s going to be top class. His back-straight pace was a joy to watch and Bockos Doomie was definitely a worthy winner of the Puppy Derby here.”

Result: www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=353308&raceId=558374