KING TURBO landed his second Category One event of the year with victory in the Ladbrokes Gold Cup at Monmore on Thursday – a success for Rab and Liz McNair which might not have been possible without the help of fellow Central Park trainer Dan Brabon.

“Our van broke down earlier in the day, and if it wasn’t for Dan I’m not sure we’d have got to Monmore,” said Rab McNair. “He drove myself and Liz – and the dogs – to the track and back. He’s a very special friend and we’ll always be grateful for what he did.”

On the night, the McNairs and the owning KSS Syndicate were doubly represented with King Turbo and King Elvis, the Greyhound of the Year, and it was the former who struck after what proved a troubled, but pulsating contest at the Wolverhampton venue.

From the traps, outsider Holdem Zidane (Carol Weatherall) broke first and led into the turn, denying King Elvis the lead he prefers, although the latter paced up into contention off the second bend, only to be baulked out of the race.

It was left to King Turbo to now play his hand, and the Towcester Gold Cup champion turned on the style down the back, caught the leader and went on rounding the last two bends to land a popular win – given sustained support for the 5-4 favourite during the day.

The victory in 28.30sec for the 480m was achieved by King Turbo by one and a half lengths from Holdem Zidane and local hope Plan Ahead (Paul Sallis). It landed the McNairs and connections the £10,000 first prize.

“I couldn’t believe it when Carol’s dog (Weatherall, Holdem Zidane) broke so well – we’d planned on Elvis leading up! It became a messy race in behind, and there were some hard-luck stories for a few of them,” said Rab McNair

“But Turbo could be the best I’ve ever trained, certainly the fastest all-round. He’s matured now and really grown up. We’re going to target the Kent Derby with him, and Elvis trials at Yarmouth on Monday for the [RPGTV] Derby there.

“There’s talk of the British Bred Derby going to Newcastle. If that’s the case I’ll say we’ll not be making that journey,” warned McNair. “Towcester was quite central, but I’m not sure too many of the Newcastle trainers made that trip!”

Back to the Gold Cup, and Monmore RM Tony Williamson said: “It was a great final, and I thought the winner battled well to win – the gamble on the day was landed. Turbo always looked to have a great draw, although things didn’t pan out how we all thought.

“Carol Weatherall’s Holdem Zidane ran a blinder, and looked to have got away until the Turbo kicked in! Well done to Rab and Liz, who are an ultra-professional couple. When we had a few issues with the track a few weeks back they had to wait for trials after racing.

“But they waited patiently and were able to complete their preparations, and it has worked for them with two finalists – and victory. That preparation paid dividends and I’m delighted for them. It’s been a great Ladbrokes Gold Cup.”

Monmore stadium manager Paul Mason added: “What a great climax to a great competition, sandwiched between some fantastic racing and congratulations to all the connections of King Turbo. He’s proved a worthy and well fancied winner. We had a very good midweek crowd and it’s been a great event all-round.”