DROOPYS NOODLE helped local trainer Dean Childs end one of the most incredible records in greyhound racing as Mark Wallis’s stranglehold on the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy was finally undone at Crayford on Saturday.

Wallis, winner of the 540m event for the previous seven years, had chances of making it an eighth straight success given defending champion Saleen Ash again made the final of the Category Two competition.

However, it was the Mark Gilbert-owned son of Droopys Cain and Droopys Loner who came through strongly past halfway to win going away by three and three-quarter lengths from Snowdon Archie in 33.84sec (+20).

Childs said: “He’s a cracking dog whose bend running is just fantastic. That makes him a tough dog to beat round here, and this trip or a stiff four bends like Hove’s 515m suit him. Romford’s 575m could be an option for him, too.”

Winning owner Gilbert was full of praise for the January 17 whelp, but also paid tribute to dam Droopys Loner: “She was fantastic for myself and Dean on the track, reaching the Derby semis and finishing second in the Arc and Golden Sprint, and has passed that quality on.

“Her youngest litter is by Droopys Roddick, so she’s always giving us something to look forward to! It’s great to have a winner at one of these big meetings – it’s been a good morning all-round!”

The £2,000 Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy, named after the late home-finder, was chief support to the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket Final at a busy matinee meeting at the Kent venue – which delighted stadium manager Peter Broadbridge.

He said: “I think it’s proved this special meeting for Crayford belongs on a Saturday morning. The crowd and the atmosphere was similar to the ‘good old days’ which fans of the sport for many years, like myself, remember fondly.

“I just loved the way it fell silent before the final – we almost have the Jacket silence as opposed to the Derby roar! – although as soon as the traps opened the noise levels went up big-time. It was a great atmosphere for a dramatic race.”

Broadbridge added: “Stardom is a very inexperienced bitch who can only improve for more racing over six, eight and even ten bends here! But she needed all her class to foil an excellent and experienced dog from Ireland produced to perfection by connections given the travelling.

“As for the Peter Bussey, it’s always nice to have home winner in ‘Noodle’ and generally I thought the entire card was top-notch which kept a big crowd here until the last race.

“I was extremely proud to be at the helm of a very good ship on Saturday. The whole team relished the challenge and enjoyed their work, delivering an excellent experience to not only many regulars but to some old faces who returned after many years away.

“It was also good to see some new racegoers, who are needed to give our great sport an injection of fresh blood. I truly cannot wait for next year.”