DONCASTER racing official Stephen Gray was really impressed by the overall quality of the youngsters on show as the Doncaster Puppy Derby kicked off on Saturday – with Romford raider Returning Storm quickest of the heat winners. 

The David Mullins-trained pup raced away to a 27.49sec (-10) success in heat five of the 450m Category One event at the South Yorkshire venue which completed a good night for the Romford trainer as his Shado Earth won the previous heat in 27.69sec (-10), initiating a double for the Essex-based team.

The event had kicked off with another nod to Romford form with success for Carrigoon Cece as Michelle Brown’s youngster, the Coral Romford Puppy Cup winner, raced away early for a five and a half lengths success in 27.55sec (-10).

Other heat winners were the Yarmouth-based pair of Mark Brighton’s Frankton Grange in 27.73sec (-10) and Craig Morris’s Lady Gambet in 27.66sec (-10), and Samantha Lapidge’s local hope Cockneys Zachery in 28.25sec (-10).

Gray said: “We were delighted with the overall quality of the Puppy Derby entry and that was borne out with some impressive performances in the heats. Trainers have travelled distances with their greyhounds to get here which is a real thumbs-up to the track and what we are doing here – and for the competition itself.

“There were a few eye-catchers,” added Gray. “David’s (Mullins) team is clearly a good one and his two brothers – Shado Earth and War Hound – look pretty closely matched. Shado Earth won his heat well and War Hound was a good second to Frankton Grange. Both will improve. David also has another nice sort in Returning Storm, of course. He ran in what was the toughest of the heats, so that performance cannot be underestimated.

“Carrigoon Cece blasted out and was soon clear in front in the opening heat to uphold the Romford Puppy Cup form, while Lady Gambet looks a strong bitch with a great will-to-win, and, while it was the slowest heat time, seeing one of our own in Cockneys Zachery come through to win the most exciting heat to watch was great to see.

“We’re now all looking forward to Saturday’s semi-finals and the final a week later.”