NOELLIE rolled back the years for his owner Tony Head when landing one of greyhound racing’s biggest prizes in the Coral Gold Collar Final at Hove.

Back as an owner after many years away from the sport, Head, owner of 1993 Greyhound of the Year Heavenly Lady, watched from afar as the youngest finalist claimed the £10,000 first prize and Category One glory for Romford trainer Paul Young with a superb front-running display over the 500m trip at the south coast venue.

Lining up as a 14-1 chance in a race in which 1-2 chance Romeo Tomcat (Patrick Janssens) was backed to land an eleventh straight success, a fast start from the October 23 son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Droopys Gifted saw the favourite soon under pressure after a missed break as Noellie set the tempo.

Chased by Slick Sentinel (Patrick Janssens) and then Antigua Kestrel (Kevin Hutton), Noellie was not for stopping to add his name to a roll of honour which dates back to the event’s first running at Catford in 1933. Hove becomes the fourth track to stage the famous competition after Belle Vue and Crayford also.

A delighted Paul Young said he was delighted with how Noellie had progressed since his debut at Romford in September in a heat of the Coral Romford Puppy Cup.

Crowded out of contention then behind subsequent finalist Aero Najem, Noellie was then switched to Hove by his handler, embarking on a run of four straight wins at the seaside venue which ultimately served him well in terms of his Gold Collar bid.

Young said: “He quickly settled at Hove and won a maiden event – heat and final – then two more races there, so we always knew he was improving and would take his chance if given the room to – and that’s how it worked out.

“That was a top-class field in the Gold Collar. His semi-final when he was second to Patrick’s dog (Janssens, Slick Sentinel) was one of the best line-ups this the year with Proper Heiress and Droopys Plunge but he handled that well, giving himself a chance with a good start then holding off Mark’s dog (Wallis, Proper Heiress) which wasn’t easy.

“And then again come the final, another good race, and he’s come away again and, to be fair, doesn’t stop, so we knew once the favourite missed it we had a chance.

“It’s great for the kennel – it’s been too long to win one of these big races again! – and we had a great day all round with three winners. I was particularly delighted with Droopys Alldeway winning the dual distance and Underground Arlo is a very nice pup.

“But I’m delighted for Noellie’s owner Tony Head. He’s abroad but tuned in and has got another big trophy. A few of the old-timers will remember his Heavenly Lady well. She was a Greyhound of the Year, a Golden Jacket and TV Trophy winner and true great for Linda (Mullins). He’d been out of it for a good few years but it’s great he’s back.”

 

Photos: © Steve Nash