NEW DESTINY completed a notable double on her way to landing Mark Wallis a record fifth victory in the event with a convincing victory in the Premier Greyhound Racing Champion Stakes Final over 575m at Romford.

On a big night at the Essex venue in front of the Gone To The Dogs – Live! cameras – the October 2021 daughter of Grangeview Ten and Coonough Dolly set up victory with a burst of early pace which saw her rush up inside chief rival Aayamza Sydney (John Mullins) and turn in front as fast-starting Golden Palace (Michelle Brown) was pegged back.

It was plain sailing for the MWD Partnership-owned runner afterwards as New Destiny was on her way to a five and three-quarter lengths success over the always-handy Noirs News (Seamus Cahill) and Golden Palace. The winning time was 34.63sec, second fastest 575m time of the year, and comparing favourably with her track record of 34.53sec set in June’s Coral Coronation Cup Final.

Notching a rare Coronation Cup and Champion Stakes double, success for New Destiny added to Wallis’s victories with Eye Onthe Veto (2007), Patchys Kerry (2015), Bombers Bullet (2019) and Aayamza Express (2020) – moving him ahead of Brian Clemenson as winningmost trainer in the history of the Category One event whose history stretches back to Wimbledon in 1947.

“We’re delighted to win the Champion Stakes again – and thanks to all our staff,” said Wallis, who struck with four winners on the night including Coonough Crow in the Maurice Newman Memorial Marathon Final. “Liam (Aspin) paraded Destiny for the final, but Sid (Huett) and Dan (Wallis) were both there and all played their part – as did Emily, of course!”

Emily Wallis was part of the Gone To The Dogs – Live! team working on the three hour-plus programme from the Essex venue – and interviewed her dad after the final for the cameras. “That was fun – and a bit different – but she did great and I’m delighted the programmes are getting great feedback!” said the 14-time champion trainer.

The Lakenheath-based handler has outlined the Bet365 Challenge Cup at Oxford as a next target for New Destiny, whose victory in the £20,000 decider was the highlight of a cracking three-final card at the London Road venue, including the Coral Silver Standard Final, a Category Two with a £5,000 first prize.

Stadium manager Karen McMillan: “It was a great night all round and well done to all our winners, particularly Mark Wallis (New Destiny and Coonough Crow) and David Mullins (Brindle Bully) who won the major events – as well as supporting opens.

“We had a really good Friday night crowd in and, having the cameras from Gone To The Dogs here also, certainly added spice. It helps put the spotlight on our champions of the track and gives the owners and trainers – and the greyhounds themselves – the profile they deserve.

“Having spoken to the team, we’re looking forward to welcoming them back here – hopefully very soon.”