Crucially breaking smartly from his position inside the Graham Holland-trained pair of Bockos Crystal and Clona Duke, market rivals to the youngest finalist, the October 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Newinn Mimi was soon in command ahead of kennelmate Ballymac John, with both Bockos Crystal and Burj Khalifa (Diane Henry) on the premises.

However, as Newinn Syd turned clear in front, and with Clona Duke now motoring into the turn, space behind the leader was tight and Ballymac John (Mark Wallis) and Droopys Google (Nathan Hunt) came off worst in the crowding which followed.

The former was knocked over but was reported none the worse for the experience by connections, but the latter suffered a muscle injury and faces three months on the sidelines, reported Nathan Hunt’s kennel the following day.

For the record, Newinn Syd crossed the line four lengths clear of Burj Khalifa, who had impressed all with his back-straight surge to move into second after that first-bend crowding, with Bockos Crystal and Clona Duke in third and fourth respectively. The winning time was 29.51sec (+10).

Newinn Syd is owned by the MWD Partnership of trainer Mark Wallis, Mike Davis and Michelle Connolly and part-owner Davis revealed the victory of the two-year-old in the £20,000-to-the-winner GBGB Category One sparked mixed emotions.

“Michelle’s mum is due to have an operation but didn’t tell Michelle when it was so she could come over to cheer on Syd. She didn’t want her worrying, but now we know it’s imminent and we’re heading back to Ireland now, but with the trophy. That’s a real tonic for Michelle’s mum Kathleen who was cheering Syd on from home.

“I’ve got to say well done to Mark (Wallis) and his team. They have done such a brilliant job with Syd. He’s a far better dog than when here at Nottingham for the Puppy Classic. Mark gave him plenty of time to develop and you can see the class act he is now. To be fastest throughout the event and then win this final is amazing.

“It was also great to welcome Shari-Anne O’Donnell with us to Nottingham tonight. She bred both Newinn Syd and Clona Duke so had a feet in two camps I suppose, but the atmosphere amongst all the connections on Monday was really good and great to be part of for what is a great competition.

Wallis himself was delighted to have added another Eclipse title to his CV after wins for Eye On the Storm (2009) and Bridge Honcho (2013). His mother-in-law Linda Jones also won the competition backed in 1999 with Mumble Swerve.

“It’s a great race to win and credit goes to the whole team at Imperial Kennels. We love Syd there and he’s just matured into a top-class greyhound. All being well, he’ll now head to the (Coral) Olympic at Hove along with Ballymac John.”