NEWCASTLE general manager Ian Walton says the track is looking forward to paying tribute to one of its most popular trainers on Thursday when the Byker venue hosts the final of The Harry Burton Trophy over 480m.

The Category Two event, hosted in memory of the late handler, shares the card with the final of the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby, another Category Two, for what should be great night’s racing in the north east with two finals and supporting opens.

It is one which Walton says gives the track a chance to remember and honour Harry, who died in December, in the best way they can.

“It’s naturally very sad to be having to stage this event in the first place, but Harry was a dog man through and through. He loved his racing and was a very popular figure and is missed by many.

“He was a greyhound lover and a huge sport man, very popular, and was a hardworking honest good man.

“We put his competition on to honour Harry and his family will be attending on final night. It’s been hugely supported locally and Harry would be chuffed with how good a final he has in his name.”

Last week’s semi-finals of the The Harry Burton Trophy saw a top performance from Jimmy Fenwick’s Ballymac Service who clocked the fastest time of the night when leading down the back on his way to a two-length win from Hardwick Woody (Stephen Caile) and the winner’s kennelmate Woltemade in 28.46sec (-10) for the 480m trip. The latter had beaten Ballymac Service into second when winning the Arc Northern Puppy Derby in February.

The first semi-final went to the Savva Roberts-trained Mossend Brute who was quickly away and never headed on his way to a two and a half lengths win in 28.70sec (-10), the son of Coolavanny Hoffa leading home kennelmate Born Scooby for a Roberts one-two. Third home and into Thursday’s £3,500 final was Gymcrack winner Elusivenomore (Jimmy Fenwick).

Richest race of the night will the £7,500-to-the-winner BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby for which John Flaherty’s Ballycian Boy heads into the 480m decider as the fastest semi-final winner as finishing best to reel in southern raider Queen Katherine (Dan Brabon) by a length in 28.80sec (-10). Third home in the first semi was Romeo Liberty (Tom Heilbron).

The second semi-final in the British-bred event went to Brian Fairbairn’s Glengar Vegas who produced another strong-running display to score by two lengths by Woo Hoos Hugo (Jimmy Fenwick) and Romeo Elite (Joe Edgar) in 28.95sec (-10).