DEELISH FRANKIE underlined his consistency and absolute class by winning the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby Final at Monmore on Saturday – and with it a brand new £20,000 prize.

The first running of the famous event under the Premier Greyhound Racing banner, the Patrick Janssens-trained, Evan Herbert, John Porter and Stephan Vogt-owned youngster had never been out of the first two in his short career and, once again in just his eighth UK start, was in the mix – this time producing an imperious performance.

Lining up as a railer from trap four, a decent start was needed by the July 2020 son of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Belle and the 36-kilo Liam Dowling-bred tracker did not disappoint. He came away well and, keeping his form despite pressure next door from Milton Pepe (Lee Field) and Annual Sydney (Kevin Hutton), led at the bend and was on his way.

With favourite Freedom Alibi (Tom Heilbron) badly crowded at the turn after a missed break, the Janssens-trained youngster was away and drew steadily clear, ultimately crossing the line six and a half lengths in front of Annual Sydney and Farneys Buster (Kevin Boon). The winning time for the 480m was 28.33sec.

Deelish Frankie made his debut at Towcester in December and has continued to progress, his victory on Saturday helping trainer Janssens and part-owner Evan Herbert to go one better than in 2019 when subsequent Gold Cup winner Seaglass Tiger ran-up in this event to Troy Zico – and Herbert was delighted with the performance of the pup.

He said: “That was a fantastic performance from the pup – many thanks to Patrick, Cheryl, Ria and all the team – we’re all really happy. Frankie trapped well and ran a really mature race. It’s a competition which has produced lots of big-race winners in the past and I’m sure all of the pups on show have bright futures and will go on to big things.

“Many thanks to Monmore and the sponsors – it’s been a great night.”

Ria Janssens said the Derby would now be the youngster’s main target. “All roads lead to Towcester with this pup. He’ll run through a brick wall for you this dog, he never knows when he’s beaten. We knew he needed to lead or at least turn handy, but he’s given himself a real chance from the start.”

Patrick Janssens said: “I’m delighted for Evan, John and Stephan. Stephan’s from Germany and Frankie is his first greyhound – it’s not a bad start! Thanks to all the team and I suppose it’s perfect timing for us. Crossfield Dusty just missed the break in the Golden Sprint final at Romford, but otherwise he’s okay and will be back soon.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=383193&raceId=824288