DRIVE ON LAD, trained by Richard Rees for owner Jeremy Hayes, was recently named the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month for April.

Winner of the KAB Maiden Derby Final at Towcester, Drive On Lad received the most votes in a poll of Greyhound Writers’ Association members and claimed the honour in another strong month ahead of Arkady (David Mullins), Bellmore Sally (Jimmy Fenwick), Coonough Crow (Mark Wallis), Droopys Fidget (Nathan Hunt), Havana Lover (Liz McNair), Hawkfield Ozark (Patrick Janssens) and Lenson Doolin (Ricky Holloway).

However, success for Drive On Lad, a November 2020 son of Pat C Sabbath and Drive On Robyn, was achieved off the back of his victory in the Towcester competition during which this longstanding maiden finally and deservedly opened his account after a long wait for connections.

“He certainly came of age during the (KAB) Maiden Derby,” said Clive Lawrence, executive producer at award sponsors RPGTV. “He’d been a favourite on the channel, but was probably drawing attention because of his long losing run. He was always running in top company but just couldn’t find the winning line – until Towcester.

“Something clicked there and he was really game in winning from the second round onwards – he just wouldn’t let his rivals pass and was a worthy winner there. Well done to Richard and Jackie Rees, not to mention young Charlie, who we are looking forward to seeing once again in the RPGTV studio later this year, and to owner Jeremy Hayes.

“Good luck to them all in the (Star Sports/TRC) English Greyhound Derby where I’m sure Drive On Lad will have plenty of supporters,” added Lawrence. “We here at RPGTV/Sporty Stuff TV are certainly looking forward to another great Derby.”

Richard Rees, trainer of Drive On Lad, who runs in the very first heat of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester on Thursday, said: “The dog’s in great order and we’re good to go. We know he loves Towcester and winning the Maiden Derby and then the Greyhound of the Month is some sort of turnaround.

“I said after he won the final that those who called him some names previously could stop now! He’s proved himself a winner and I’m just delighted that Jeremy (Hayes) has managed to win a big race. We tried for many years for him, and got close on several occasions, but he’s got that Cat One now and we go into the Derby with nothing to lose.”