BOCKOS THUNDER took advantage of the best of the conditions to post the fastest time in the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory of Michael Lambe Senior heats at Perry Barr on Saturday as the track battled heavy rain which forced a mid-meeting delay to the action.

However, lining up in heat one, Kevin Boon’s English Derby quarter-finalist gave best to Ladbrokes Gold Cup finalist Cunnigar Yousir (Nathan Hunt) early before coming through with a powerful run to score by half a length in 28.14sec (normal), with Rioja Bungle (Kevin Hutton) crossing the line in third to secure his place in Saturday’s semi-finals.

The weather had begun to bite before Aghaburren Beau’s success in heat two as Monmore landed back-to-back Perry Barr heats courtesy of Brian Thompson’s runner who was always forcing the issue off the front before running out a length and a quarter winner from track mate Seaview Sydney (Nathan Hunt) in 28.66sec (-40).

Having fielded the runner-up in the first two heats, Nathan Hunt then struck in heat three as Untold Paanga came through to grab longtime leader Unanimous Leon (Tom Heilbron) close home to win by three-quarters of a length from English Derby third Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis) in 28.40sec (-30) for the 480m trip.

Ante-post favourite Links Maverick was eliminated from the Category One competition in heat four as early crowding put paid to his chances as the Matt Dartnall-trained BetGoodwin Pall Mall runner-up Long Fellow edged Ballycleary Ten (Robert Hall) after a good buckle, winning by a neck in 28.77sec (-30).

The John Mullins-trained Aayamza Sydney powered through the rain-softened conditions to lead close home in heat five, reeling in Aero Pattika (Richie Taberner) and Tricky Wiggles (Robert Holt) for a neck victory – and the same – in a thrilling finish in 28.44sec (-30), before Darley Diglake cheered the locals with success in heat six.

Lining up in the final heat late in the night, Robert Hall’s in-form runner was soon dominating on the outside before crossing the line a length in front of Nottingham Puppy Classic finalist Droopys Extragud (Heather Dimmock) by a length in 28.40sec (-20).

Martin Seal, Perry Barr racing manager, praised track staff at the Birmingham venue for ensuring racing could be completed after a significant delay – as well as commending owners, trainers and racegoers for their patience.

He said: “It’s probably the latest I’ve ever left the stadium after racing but I’m just delighted we were able to complete the meeting given the travelling involved for so many of the trainers with runners in not just the Birmingham Cup but the (Premier Greyhound Racing) St Leger heats. It was a great effort from our trackstaff.

“Looking at the Birmingham Cup, well done to all those who qualified on what was a tricky night, of course, but particular noteworthy efforts, to my eye, came from Rioja Bungle, Aero Sacundai, Untold Paanga, Whyaye Man, Tricky Wiggles and Droopys Extragud.

“We’re looking forward now to the semi-finals of both competitions and hopefully the worst of the weather is now behind us!”

Trap draw for Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger semi-finals: https://www.perrybarr-greyhounds.co.uk/racing