HOLLOW MAN provided a timely boost to the kennel with another exceptional performance to win the Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes Final at Romford on Friday for Hove trainer Derek Knight.

After injuries to kennel stars Candolim Monsoon and Clona Uriel in recent days – and the trainer himself under par with illness – there was a huge sense of relief mixed with emotion as the track record holder, who set the new mark in the heats of the 575m annual, duly landed the odds to claim the £20,000 prize.

Sent to traps as hot favourite to extend his winning sequence, Hollow Man was led from the boxes by fast-starting Ninja Kerry was smoothly moved past his Hove rival with a show of early gears to lead the charge into the turn and onwards.

Thereafter, it was again a race against the clock for the June 2021 son of Pat C Sabbath and Leezie Lindsay who was in command throughout before coming over over six lengths clear of Ninja Kerry (Belinda Green), who won the race for second ahead of Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis) and Droopys Google (Nathan Hunt).

Both stayed on well but the 2022 Coral Sussex Cup champion took the runner-up spot behind the 34.69sec (+20) winner, who was winning for the ninth time in a row for Knight’s team and owner Mick McCrory, partner of the late Debbie Williams, who Knight was quick to pay tribute to.

“That was for Debbie,” said the Albourne-based trainer. “I trained Carter Bar for Debbie and Mick and we have him as a pet at home. We had some special times with Debbie and Carter Bar, especially at Romford. Even though Debbie was very ill she’d come to the track and to the kennels and loved watching her dogs run.

“When Mick came to me and said he wanted to buy another good dog in Debbie’s memory I went to work – and thanks to Francis Murray junior for giving us Hollow Man. They’re a great family – his dad Francie is a greyhound racing legend – and have done us proud.

“The dog himself did it well,” added Knight. “The pressure was on and it’s been a pretty dire week for both myself and the kennel, so it’s only natural to think maybe it’s not going to happen. But he’s been led from the boxes by Ninja Kerry but showed what he can do into the bend and took the race by the scruff of the neck.

“Then you’re thinking it’s a cold and damp night, he might cramp, but thankfully he didn’t. Maria (Ansbro, partner and assistant) gave him a good rub down at the traps and that’s helped him and he’s won us our first Champion Stakes after trying for about 100 years!

“Thanks to all the staff – Maria, Nigel, Natalie and Ellen. I’ve been sick this week so was away from the kennels for a few days – I might have to let them get on with it in future!”