IVANEXILE was foot-perfect when it mattered most to win the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory of M Lambe Senior at Perry Barr on Thursday.

 

Trained by Matt Dartnall for owners Paul Carpenter, Gerry Dolan, Trevor Jacobs and ‘Brillo’ Winter, the August 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Trusted Exile paced up outside quick-starting Bambis Magic (Richard Rees) but raced into a clear advantage off the second turn and was always bossing proceedings thereafter.

 

Staying on well, Ivanexile crossed the line two lengths clear of Bambis Magic with Burnchurch Mick, another Richard Rees-trained runner, finishing third. The winning time was 28.16sec (-10), the fastest time in the three-round competition. 

 

For the Dartnall kennel, it completed a superb return to the venue where their Space Jet won last year’s St Leger – they also had a finalist this year in Droopys Jungle – and the victory delighted Ivanexile’s part-owner Paul Carpenter.

 

He said: “He’s got great early pace, probably more than I realised. He’s well-balanced which helps him take a good line at the first bend, but it’s that burst of early which is proving a great weapon to have. I love dogs with early pace.

 

“The Juvenile Classic at Towcester probably just came a touch too early for him. TD (Terry Dartnall, Matt’s father) felt he would be a better dog in three months’ time and, not for the first time, he’s been proven absolutely right.

 

“The form of the Juvenile Classic stands up very well. That was a top-quality final won by Antigua Sugar and included a St Leger winner (Havana Lover) now, of course. Ivan finished third which was a great effort in the circumstances.

 

“Remember he was very lightly raced before coming to the UK and is still inexperienced now being just over two years old. Hopefully there could be more to come.

 

“Matt (Dartnall) and the team did a great job and a huge debt of gratitude goes out to Team Dartnall. Ivan improved throughout the competition and I believe his time in the final is only a few lengths off the clock- it was some run.

 

“We were all thrilled with the way he ran especially pleased for Trevor (Jacobs) who is unwell in a Portsmouth hospital. TD rang Trevor’s wife to say we’d won the Birmingham Cup and to tell Trevor the dog did us proud. She said the news brought a smile to his face, which is great – and the trophy is going down to Trevor this week.

 

“The perpetual trophy is now sitting proudly behind the bar of the Westminster Arms in London. That’s Gerry’s pub. Any greyhound fans in London should call in – I’m sure you will get a warm welcome. He might even buy you beer!”

 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=389448&raceId=876220