PROPER HEIRESS produced one of the great runs when blasting to victory in the final of the Ladbrokes Winter Derby at Monmore on Saturday.

In clocking 27.59sec for the 480m, the Mark Wallis-trained and MWD Partnership-owned runner posted the second fastest time ever over the Wolverhampton venue’s one-lap trip, second only to Ballymac Eske’s 27.48sec track record 13 years ago.

It was a pitch-perfect performance from the September 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Powerful Mush who was almost under the bars as the traps opened and was dominating into the turn and onwards – on his way to victory in the £10,000 showpiece.

The Coral Olympic champion turned a clear-cut first-bend advantage into a five and a quarter lengths success over the keeping-on Gary The Arb (Belinda Green) who turned the second bend at the head of the chasing pack and was always clear himself of those in behind. Gold Collar champion Aayamza Sydney (John Mullins) kept on well for third.

The big-race victory, a first Winter Derby success for the winning handler, delighted champion trainer Mark Wallis who very much outlined the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby as the main target for the now dual Category One champion, with a possible tilt at the Arc Kent Plate at Central Park in between.

“He’s always an option for Trainers’ Judgement Night at Perry Barr, but I’d rather keep him to Towcester and maybe Central Park,” he said. “We’ve got some good four-bend runners for our team and will definitely be giving it a good go in a few weeks’ time!”

Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson congratulated winning connections and underlined just what an impressive performance it was from Proper Heiress.

“It’s the second quickest here at Monmore, but it’s actually the best since the track was re-laid,” said Williamson. “It was quite breathtaking really and one of the most perfect runs I’ve ever seen over four bends here. 

“You’d have to think he’s very much a Derby player on that form and can definitely take on the best of the Irish!

“Proper Heiress is definitely a great name to have on the Ladbrokes Winter Derby roll of honour and just topped a fantastic night here.

“I thought Churchfield Syd was sensational in his race – he runs Monmore as consistently well as any dog I’ve seen – and a good night for Richard Rees overall was topped off by Deadly Disco winning a red-hot 684m contest.

“Hopefully a number of those runners who took part in that race will be back for the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket which we’re delighted to be staging in May now – over 684m. But first, starting on Saturday, we have the heats of the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby.”