YARMOUTH director Simon Franklin is looking forward to Wednesday’s biggest meeting of the year at the seaside venue with the final of the Click Competitions East Anglian Greyhound Derby – and there is every chance of a local victory on a notable anniversary for the famous race.

It is the 80th running of the EA Derby and, with five of the six finalists Yarmouth-trained, Franklin is anticipating a special occasion and bumper holiday crowd with the fixture staged in the middle of the Eastern Festival in the town with the adjacent horse racing track also hosting meetings this week.

“It’s a special time for Great Yarmouth, always busy, and we’ve got a good number booked in already this week,” said Franklin. “The weather looks pretty good and the event so far has been top notch and well done to Kelli (Windebank), Irene (Barnard) and Craig (Morris) who have five of the finalists between them.

“Craig has done especially well and it’s going to be a great week for him given he’s also got big-race finalists at Romford and Dunstall Park.”

Patrick Janssens has won the last two runnings of the Yarmouth Derby with Druids Say Go and last year’s record-breaking winner Romeo Steel. He eyes a fourth EA Derby win given Kilara Lion won for the two-time English Derby winner in 2020.

“It’s always great to have Patrick here,” added Franklin. “He’s won our Derby three times – and has gone close in a few others too! He’s the only ‘away’ trainer as such but always has great support on the terraces.

“It’s always a great night and we’re delighted with the card overall and good luck to all concerned, but especially in our finals,” added Franklin of a 12-race card which also includes the finals of the MWD Partnership Derby Purse, MWD Partnership Sprint and Veilost Ltd Puppy Trophy.

The Craig Morris-trained Droopys Buck heads into Wednesday’s £15,000 final as the fastest semi-final winner as he played a major part in a double for the local trainer.

Heading his field on the approach to the first turn, Droopys Buck went on for a two and a half lengths victory over Romeo Ability (Patrick Janssens) in 27.23sec (normal).

The winner’s kennelmate Montana Tiger struck in 27.58sec (normal) for the 462m trip when coming home strongest of all to edge trackmate Strathrannoch (Irene Barnard) in their semi, while the remaining semi-final went to another local in Kelli Windebank’s Hasselbomb in 27.46sec (normal).

Recovering well to finish a two-length second here was Aayamza Shazza (John Mullins) who will now line up in her third Category One decider.