BALLYMAC SARGIE placed his name alongside the great Chicita Banana when landing back-to-back Stewards Cup victories in the SIS and Star Sports-sponsored Category One at Pelaw.

In winning the former Walthamstow annual, Ballymac Sargie emulated John McGee’s champion who won back-to-back Stewards Cups in 1989-90 at the Stow, and a special night for his trainer Tom Heilbron and the four-year-old’s owners Michael Lowther, Dave Bradley, Gary Harwood and Sam Peach was complete when it was confirmed that the August 2022 son of Vulturi and Ballymac Breeze had now been retired.

“That’s it for him – and what a way to sign off,” said Newcastle handler Heilbron. “It was always going to be straightforward for him, in getting out and trying to make all – and they don’t know their odds!”

Referring to the fact Ballymac Sargie went off a 25-1 chance to claim the £10,000 first prize, the first Category One ever staged at the Chester-le-Street venue, Heilbron said the winner had been a joy to train and would now be homed with one of his owners.

“Sargie’s been a great dog for the kennel and has always raced against the best, but loved the north east air especially! He won races at Newcastle, Sunderland and, of course, Pelaw – and is set for a great retirement now. 

“A massive thanks to him and also to the sponsors on what was a successful competition and a great night at the track for the final. Promoting to the Stewards Cup to a Cat One makes it even more special than last year, but to win any race two year on the spin is brilliant for us so well done to all concerned for making it possible.”

For the record, Ballymac Sargie was quickly away, posting a 14.47sec split on his way to a winning lead, albeit The Other Chief (Phil Milner) ran a stormer in second, closing up the home-straight to get within three-quarters of a length of the 36.29sec (normal) winner over the 590m trip.

Photos: Star Pelaw