DROOPYS CLUE landed a third Category One victory of 2023 with a classy display to win the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial at Hove on Saturday.

The £10,000 Category One event over 740m celebrates two Hove-based legends of the sport who combined to rewrite the record books, most notably in 1986 when the George Curtis-trained Ballyregan Bob broke the world record of consecutuve wins (32) at the Sussex track. Victory for another locally trained star stayer in the form of the Juvenile Classic and St Leger winner, trained by Seamus Cahill for Alex Hambi, therefore seemed appropriate.

Quickly into stride, Droopys Clue was soon in pole position as he moved upsides fast-starting Swiper (Matt Dartnall) approaching the first bend and went on to stamp his authority on the six-bend contest. Thereafter, the August 21 son of Out Of Range ASB and Droopys Natalia never looked likely to be beaten and was on his way to justifying 1-3 favouritism.

Ower Smasher (June Harvey) finished fast to grab second, coming from a mile back, ahead of third-placed Savana Jazz (Diane Henry). However, it was Droopys Clue’s title, much to the delight of winning trainer Cahill and owner Alex Hambi.

Cahill told RPGTV afterwards: “He’s a special dog with devastating middle pace for a stayer and has a chance of Greyhound of the Year for what he’s done over six bends”, while Hambi admitted to being a relieved man: “There’s been a lot of pressure because he was so short, but it’s relief now!”

Rob Abrey, Hove racing manager, said: “Droopys Clue was really impressive and pretty much dominated the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial right from the start.

“That said, Clongeel Ozzie really didn’t want to let go of the title and has done connections proud making the final in the manner he did, but once ‘Cluedo’ led at the bend he was away and just has so much class as a six-bender.

“Well done to Seamus (Cahill) and the team – and it’s great to celebrate another local winner in this famous competition which is very much steeped in Hove history.

“Talking of history, that must be some sort of record for Liz and Rab McNair in winning so many Cat Ones in such a short space of time – and King Memphis looks one of their best ever. He’s an awesome dog and still so young – just out of puppy age, so there’s plenty to look forward to.

“We had a really good Xmas crowd in and there was a great atmosphere for two major competitions. Thank-you to all our trainers for their support and to all the trainers from elsewhere who’ve supported our open races in 2023 – we’re aiming for more of the same in 2024.”