DROOPYS DEPLOY created history when becoming the first Irish-trained winner of the   competition – first run in 1994 – when landing the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby Final at Newcastle.

Trained by Robert Gleeson for English owner Paul Allen, Droopys Deploy overcame a moderate exit and first-bend crowding before unleashing a sensational burst of pace to take up the running approaching the third bend. At this point Swift Bullseye (Ray Hale) was leading with Ballymac Lucia (Maxine Locke) challenging.

The latter looked a danger to all, but was forced wide outside Swift Bullseye rounding the third and fourth bends and Droopys Deploy needed no second invitation to dominate thereafter and went on for an impressive victory in the Category One event.

Crossing the line two and a quarter lengths lengths clear of local hope Swift Bullseye, with Ballymac Lucia just behind in third, the April 2023 son of Malachi and Droopys Charm clocked 28.56sec (normal) in winning the 480m event.

Winning trainer Robert Gleeson spoke afterwards about how travel issues on final night almost cost his runner a chance of glory in the £12,500 contest, but ultimately victory completed a Newcastle double for the Irish handler given kennelmate Toolmaker Quick (28.57sec) had earlier won the Arena Racing Company Puppy Invitation.

Droopys Deploy will now target the prestigious Con & Anne Kirby Memorial at Limerick.

Newcastle general manager Ian Walton said: “Congratulations to Robert (Gleeson) and Paul (Allen) and all the team – Droopys Deploy was just sensational throughout the event.

“Remember he clocked 28.10sec in the semi-finals which makes him one of the fastest ever for 480m here at Newcastle, an incredible run for one so young. 

“It wasn’t straightforward in the final. Robert always felt he needed more of a middle draw and he had his work cut out into the bend, but that pace round the second bend really was breathtaking and has won him the race. However, Ballymac Lucia’s connections can definitely count themselves a touch unlucky.

“We’ll never know whether she’d have got to Droopys Deploy – he’s strong himself – but she was making real ground into the third bend but had to pass Swift Bullseye round the outside and she definitely lost momentum.

“Fair play, though, to Maxine (Locke) for getting three runners through to the final and Lucia, Ballymac Axel and Yahoo Maizy did her proud. I’m sure the kennel will be represented at Monmore.

“Clona Curly won the Arc Northern Puppy Derby here last year and then ran third at Monmore so it’s definitely a pointer!

“Either way, let’s home to see Robert and Maxine back here at Newcastle for the (Time Greyhound Nutrition) Northern Flat and the (Premier Greyhound Racing) All England Cup later in the year!”