MARK WALLIS edged out Patrick Janssens to win the second Premier Greyhound Racing Trainers Judgement Night at Monmore on Saturday.

Featuring last year’s leading trainers in a six-handler shootout, it was Janssens who struck in the first two races as Monmore Puppy Derby winner Deelish Frankie (28.42sec -40), the trainer’s ‘joker’ for double points, won the opening puppy contest before Crossfield Dusty (15.55sec – 20) produced an excellent performance to defy Signet Mafia in the sprint.

Angela Harrison then struck with Ballintee Emily (28.84sec -30) in the maiden event as a fast start from the six-box set up an impressive win over Slick Sakina (Janssens) and Antigua Sugar (Wallis) for Mark Wallis, who then registered his first victory of the night in the fourth leg as Antigua Cuddles scored an all-the-way success.

Lining up in the bitches’ race, Antigua Cuddles was soon clear on her way to winning in 28.68sec (-30) from Lights Out (Kevin Hutton) and top stayer Coolavanny Bani (Harrison) in her final race before retirement.

Bombardier then took Wallis to the top of the table as the boss of Imperial Kennels now played his ‘joker’ before his stayer struck over 630m, coming home clear of Crafty Galactic (David Mullins) and Coolavanny Aunty (Harrison).

Wallis’s Trainers Judgement Night victory was then confirmed with a second place for Antigua Woofwoof behind the brilliant Signet Ace (Kevin Hutton) in the closing 480m contest. Bockos Belly (Janssens) finished third here.

It meant success for Mark Wallis with a final total of 52 points ahead of Patrick Janssens (45), Kevin Hutton (42), Angela Harrison (35), David Mullins (26), Ricky Holloway (11).

Wallis said: “It’s great to win the Trainers Judgement Night and thanks to everyone who made it possible. This is the fourth time we’ve won what was the former Trainers’ Championship Meeting and, once again, a huge thanks to the family and my staff who worked so hard for nights like this and it was great for a good few of us to enjoy the evening at Monmore. They put on a really good show.

“Winning with our joker on Bombardier was crucial after Antigua Cuddles had run so well to win the bitches’ race. Woofwoof also ran well to finish second to Signet Ace, who was brilliant for Kevin (Hutton) I should say and that’s won us the title, but long before then Antigua Sugar finishing third in the maiden actually has been really important, too.”

Monmore racing manager Craig Gardiner said: “What a fantastic evening on Saturday night here at Monmore. The stadium was packed and it was great to see so many people enjoying the occasion and it certainly did not disappoint.

“The quality of racing on show was excellent with some quality finishes and how fitting  that the competition went down to the very last race with a tie being one of the potential outcomes.

“I’m really pleased Mark won the overall competition. He always supports the track and is an absolute gentleman to deal with.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=384573&raceId=836147