TOM HEILBRON will send out Omuircheartaigh, the fastest semi-final winner, with the aim of landing him an unprecedented third straight success in Thursday’s £12,500-to-the-winner Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby Final at Newcastle.

The young handler has won the last two runings of the famous event with Freedom Alibi and GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards nominee Links Maverick and now fields Omuircheartaigh, an April 2022 son of Broadstrand Bono and Lemon Ariana, looking to notch a third win – after the ex-Irish runner impressed in the semi-finals.

Lining up in the first semi, the National Puppy Stake finalist was quickly away and was always pushing for the victory as he led into the first bend closely followed by kennelmate Madabout Peck and Clona Curly (Diane Henry), with the latter keeping on best to close to within a neck of the 28.54sec winner (normal) – both qualifying for the final.

They will be joined in Thursday’s decider by two runners from Maxine Locke’s kennel after the Romford handler sent out a one-two in the second semi-final as Droopys Display repeated his big-priced heat win with another fluent display.

It was kennelmate Droopys Eunice who trapped in front to post a fastest-of-the-session 4.57sec sectional as the favourite cut a dash into the turn. However, it was Droopys Display who would prove too strong as the June 2022 son of Dromana Bucko and Droopys Zero came through and went on impressively for the spoils.

Three and three-quarter lengths clear at the line, Droopys Display posted 28.60sec for the 480m trip and left trainer Locke delighted with how the night had fared – albeit the Romford handler was quick to praise her staff for their efforts.

“I really have to thank my assistant Jo (Deacon) and her husband John who again travelled up with the pups – for trials, heats and semis. It’s a long way to go, but definitely worth it with these two – they’re absolute crackers and doing us proud,” said Locke.

“With her early pace, Eunice was the main reason we went to Newcastle in the first place. We thought she would suit it there. She’s gutsy and will again do her best off the front given the chance, although we’d have preferred trap one for her – she’s only small.

“Display went into the competition unraced and has really impressed us. He has fantastic early and looked stronger in the semis than the first round.

“Whatever happens it’s been a good start to 2024. We have a great kennel for the year ahead and I’m just happy for Gavin (O’Mahoney, owner). He’s a great supporter of the kennel and these pups making the final is great for him and the whole team here.”

Coppice Saphire was quickly away and soon dominating in the third semi-final as the Jimmy Fenwick-trained September 2022 daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Art Of Illusion made all to score from Coppice Ella (Kevin Hutton), winning by two lengths in 28.79sec (normal) for a one-two for owner Tony Brealey.

Trap draw for Thursday’s final: https://www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk/racing/results/