STARDOM earned just that with a thrilling victory in the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket final at Crayford on Saturday morning as the betting shop showcase returned to its traditional matinee slot in front of a packed house.

The Heather Dimmock-trained ex-Irish star completed her fourth straight success since switching to the UK as the two-year-old finished unbeaten in the £17,500 annual, adding to a trial stakes victory ahead of the 714m competition.

Owned by The Jabber Crew, who enjoyed great success with their GBGB Bitch of the Year Donation in 2018, Stardom helped her connections begin the new year as they left the old as she wore down Towcester Story for an exciting 45.27sec (+30) success.

“She’s run a brilliant race, and done everything we’ve asked of her,” said Mick Pacey, assistant and partner. “She was gutsy in coming through to beat Towcester Story and has played her part in a great race.

“We reached the final twice with Lottes Girl – so it’s nice to win!” added Pacey, who was joined by Heather’s parents Steve and Joan Dimmock, as well as members of the owning syndicate at a busy presentation at the Kent track.

Richard Evans who, along with wife Donna, is part-sponsor of this year’s Greyhound Derby at Nottingham, said afterwards: “She was absolutely fantastic and it was such an exciting race for all of us here – and hopefully Heather was watching at the kennels!

“She and Mick have done a great job with her since she came over from Pat Dalton’s. They always wanted her I know, and Adam Duncan struck the deal – much to the delight of all of us. We’re lucky to have two outstanding bitches now in her and Donation.

“It’s been a great morning and our thanks go to Ladbrokes and Crayford for their fantastic hospitality.”

Connections will have now the option of the major six and eight-bend races on the GBGB Calendar with a crack at the Coral Regency in April being considered by the trainer, for whom the Crayford victory moved her into third place in the Trainer of the Year race.

Danny Rayment, Crayford racing manager, hailed another outstanding Ladbrokes Golden Jacket and a final with its fair share of incident and hard-luck stories before Stardom, an August 16 daughter of Ballymac Eske and Old Refrain, struck.

“I thought it was a well-deserved victory and amazing that our two Category One finals recently have been won by sisters in Stardom and Savana Winner, who was also in Saturday’s final having won the TV Trophy here in December.

“As always, there were some hard-luck stories, notably Towcester Story just being reeled in and Goldies Hotspur getting a troubled run early as usual and finding herself behind Savana Winner before taking off to get third – not far behind the front pair.

“All in all the final had everything,” continued Rayment. “We had the defending champion Shotgun Bullet, who ran a gallant race and challenged down the far side second time after always having to play catch-up, plus Irish interest with Towcester Story.”

“From a personal point of view, I hope people followed my ante-post each-way selections,” added Rayment. “They paid dividends with Goldies Hotspur and Headford Maurice both making the first four!” he added.