BURNCHURCH MICK completed an unbeaten run through the event with a flawless performance in the Ladbrokes Winter Derby Final at Monmore on Saturday.

Trained by Hove’s Richard Rees for owner Darryl Bear, the May 19 son of Laughil Blake and Blackstone Angie lined up for the £10,000 decider having posted the two fastest times in the competition – in his delayed first round heat (28.30sec) and then in the semi-finals (28.37sec).

However, he bettered those times again – and some – in the final as a smart exit and blistering burst of early pace sealed a first-bend lead and ultimately a length and a quarter success over the game Jaguar Macie (Graham Rankin) and youngster Druids On Song (Mark Wallis), clocking a rapid 28.14sec for the 480m trip.

Improving his record to 11 wins from 30 starts with easily his most important success, victory helped trainer Rees go one better in the Winter Derby than 12 months previously when his Amazing Wink chased home Signet Ace in the final – and the Surrey-based handler was delighted with his charge.

He said: “I’m over the moon with him. He’s been a frustrating dog in many ways with so much ability but his trapping sometimes let him down, but he’s got that sorted here at Monmore and has run brilliantly. I’m almost lost for words but delighted for the owner and all the team at the kennels.”

Winning owner Bear, who revealed that Burnchurch Mick had actually been up for sale last year, added: “He’d done so well up to the final and you just hoped there was one more break in him when it mattered most and thankfully he came away and has run great. Thanks to Richard and Charlie (Rees) and all the team.

“I’d also like to say thank you to Ladbrokes for their great sponsorship and to Monmore for their hospitality here this evening. It’s been great.”

An already successful night for the Rees kennel was to become event better as their Droopys Goodtime won the very next race at the Wolverhampton venue, the Ladbrokes Dual Distance Stayers Final in which the November 2019 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Droopys Zero defeated hot favourite Aayamza Dream.

Monmore racing manager Craig Gardiner said: “Huge congratulations to all the Ladbrokes Winter Derby finalists and all connections – I think they enjoyed the occasion.

“Burnchurch Mick was a worthy winner. He did not put a foot wrong throughout the competition and when he hit the lids last night it was game over – he’s a real credit to the Rees kennel and owner Darryl Bear.

“It was great to see so many people at Monmore having a great time and enjoying this wonderful sport. The supporting card was top drawer and the feedback I received was first class – a real credit to everyone who worked hard last night behind the scenes to put on a good show for those at the track and at home watching RPGTV.

“We reset now and get ready for the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby which starts this coming Saturday after a number of trial stakes at the weekend and some cracking performances. The Puppy Derby here is always a top-class event.

“It was also hugely exciting to announce that Trainers’ Judgement  Night will take place here at Monmore on Saturday, April 30. We are also hosting a special lunch in the week during which we plan to hold the trap draws for the races on the night – hopefully making it a special occasion for the trainers involved.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=382457&raceId=818082