ICE ON FIRE produced a ten out of ten performance at Newcastle on Thursday as greyhound racing’s biggest star lifted the O’Toole’s Gym Byker Laurels.

The GBGB Category Two event, worth £5,000 to the winner, was once again sponsored by leading owner Neil Conlon, who was among the first to congratulate owner Dave Spraggon and Ice On Fire’s training team of Jimmy and Melanie Fenwick.

Conlon said: “I’ve known Dave for more than 30 years and I’m delighted for him he’s found a dog like Ice On Fire. He’s a fantastic performer being handled brilliantly by Jimmy, Melanie and their team and we all love to see a top-class greyhound, especially here at Newcastle.”

It was the Conlon family-owned and Angela Harrison-trained Droopys Trapper who was first to show from the boxes in Thursday’s final before Ice On Fire unleashed a devastating burst of pace to the turn, railing into the lead at bend before darting clear to register a tenth consecutive success.

The 1-4 chance, a brilliant October 2017 son of Crash and Bigmans Grainne, was soon in full flow and crossed the line five and a lengths clear of nearest rival Bower Luke in 28.57sec, with the latter’s trainer Pat Rosney the first to congratulate Melanie Fenwick at the pick-up.

Speaking after Ice On Fire had won his 16th race from 19 career starts, including victories in the Puppy Classic (Nottingham), All England Cup (Newcastle) and Eclipse (Nottingham), winning trainer Jimmy Fenwick said all roads now lead to the Derby in 2020.

“That’s absolutely the plan, with the Juvenile an option beforehand depending on the dates. I was pretty much speechless immediately after the race, he’s just a special greyhound who we’re delighted to have and we’re enjoying him – every day!

“He’s runs the first two bends so well, and we know his speed is second to none. I’m also sure he’ll be even better next year, but that’s it for the year and he’ll have a decent rest now. It’s been a great year and was another great night at Newcastle.

“I thought Look Like Power ran a stormer to finish second in the Northern Puppy Derby. He couldn’t quite get to Angela and Jimmy’s dog (Levante Beach), but we couldn’t ask any more for him. Like Ice On Fire he came from Gerry McCusker and is giving his owners plenty of fun.

“I’d like to say thank-you to Neil Conlon for his sponsorship of the Laurels again, plus to Steve Anderson who has brought Alconex into the game and is doing a fantastic job – and I  know he has plans for another major event at Newcastle next year which is great.”