Never beaten over 540m at Crayford, the May 2021 daughter of Out Of Range ASB and Laughil Irene was fast away in the GBGB Category One showpiece which, in a good-class field, was essential and meant a first-bend lead put the pressure on the chasing pack, headed by Minnie Bullet (Mark Wallis).

However, the so-called ‘Queen of Crayford’ was not for stopping as she looked to her land her trainer and part-owner – Dave Lee owns Laughil Jess with wife and assistant Dawn – his first Category One success, and that is exactly what the local bitch did.

Keeping up a strong pace up front, Minnie Bullet gradually began to close the gap on the leader but was three-quarters of a length adrift of the winner at the line, with Laughil Jess clocking 33.46sec (+20) as this hugely-popular runner sealed the big-race victory her long unbeaten run at Crayford throughly deserved.

Minnie Bullet, last year’s Bet365 Puppy Oaks champion, finished second in what was her sixth appearance in a Category One final, with Moaning Rossi (Darren Whitton) in third to give the locals a first and third in a race they had previously won with the Barry O’Sullivan-trained Yahoo Victor in 2016.

Crayford’s new stadium manager Ray Neal, overseeing his first Ladbrokes Gold Collar since taking the role, said: “What a great morning of racing and fantastic to be part of the buzz – seeing Dave Lee’s shock and obvious joy what just brilliant. What a run!

“As a track we want more of the same and are definitely looking forward to 2024 with lots of new opportunities. Our racing manager Danny Rayment has a good crop of trainers which should deliver competitive racing, allowing us to focus on delivering a great experience in the stadium.

“The restaurant here at Crayford is undergoing a refresh. The menus and offering have all been revamped and will be open on four race meetings a week in the new year – Tuesday evenings, Thursday and Saturday lunchtimes, and Sunday evenings – with some great, freshly cooked meals.

“For me, Sundays will be the highlight with a great roast dinner and racing – what better way to finish a week, or even start a new one!

“I took over as stadium manager in September, so have heard some negative comments about losing the Saturday mornings and evenings as part of the new schedule in 2024 – and from a broad spectrum of people it should be said. However, since launching our new offerings two weeks ago we’ve hundreds of people booking for the new year!

“That in itself is great and the mood is definitely a more positive as we near the switch with excitement growing about out Sunday evenings, especially. Everyone here is looking forward to 2024 and ensuring Crayford provides a great greyhound racing experience.”