Young Harry Paxton presents the RPGTV Golden Crest trophy. From left: Kaan Hughes, Stanley and Simon Keogh, Rab McNair holding King Elvis, Clive Lawrence, Jennie Prest and Mark Burridge.
KING ELVIS added another title to an impressive CV when landing the RPGTV Golden Crest Final at Poole on Sunday.
The Liz McNair-trained racer, winner of the Produce Stakes and Henlow Derby during a stellar 2017 in which he was crowned Greyhound of the Year, ended his wait for another title when taking the £4,000 prize.
However, the race was marred by injury to Snooty Mary (Kevin Hutton) who found herself between the winner and Clash (June Harvey) at the first bend after trapping in front of her two main rivals. She has been operated on and is comfortable, reports her trainer.
Leading off the first bend, King Elvis was thereafter clear down the back straight before coming home two and a half lengths clear of the Jamie Kingsley-trained Ace Queen in 26.70sec (normal) for the 450m.
Rab McNair, husband of the winning trainer, said his first thoughts were with connections of Snooty Mary. “It has certainly put a dampener on what we’ve achieved and we wish her and Kevin (Hutton) and his team all the best.
“Of course, we’re delighted to have won the Golden Crest here at Poole with Elvis. He’d not won a major title for a while, but that was probably our fault because last year we kept on putting him up against King Turbo – and Turbo won everything!
“This year we decided to split them up. Turbo won the Winter Derby and now Elvis the Golden Crest, so that’s great, although it makes you think what we’ll do when these guys retire. Thankfully, some of the younger ones are coming through well.”
Another success for British breeding, the October 2015 son of Tullymurry and Skate On was bred and reared at the McNairs’ Kent base with the operation backed by owners and breeder Brendan Keogh and the KSS Syndicate.
“We’ve really enjoyed coming to Poole,” added McNair. “The crowds have been good, the track’s been in great condition and Elvis has become something of a celebrity here. The kids come out to see when Elvis is in the building!”
Shaun Spencer-Perkins, Poole’s general manager, congratulated connections of the winner and said: “What a fabulous weekend. Two packed nights on Saturday and Sunday, with crowds witnessing some outstanding racing.
“My ears are still ringing from the roar of the crowds as the RPTV Golden Crest final lids went up. It’s been a long while since Poole has been graced by so many top dogs and a final which has been so keenly anticipated.
“Once word got out that this was going to be a special night the crowds came to see ‘the King’ – and Elvis didn’t disappoint.”
Spencer-Perkins added: “This was without doubt our busiest Sunday night this year, so I’d like to thank the trainers, owners and all the staff who helped make this year’s RPGTV Golden Crest our biggest – and I’m sure most viewed – event yet.
“A very special thanks to our sponsors RPGTV. Their excellent coverage of this year’s competition has put us back on the map and I have no doubt that next year’s event will be even bigger and even better if that’s at all possible.
“With so many top dogs it was inevitable that they would all want to be in the mix at the first bend and sadly Snooty Mary was injured. It was such a shame as I’ve no doubt she would have given Elvis a run for his money.
“I’m pleased to hear Snooty Mary is now recovering from her injury after treatment and on behalf of all of us at Poole Stadium would like to wish her a very speedy recovery. I’d also like to thank my staff for their rapid response during the race.
“I can announce that we have been in talks with a local sponsor with regards to reviving the Poole Classic – and open-race competition in November. The RPGTV Golden Crest has been a fantastic showcase for the stadium and I’m sure this will be a platform from which we could well see many more open races in the years ahead.
“I’d also like to thank our minor open sponsors Dunfords Construction Ltd., Phil Kennet Racing, Martyn Johnstone’s Jem Racing, Steve Murray’s Calne Racing and last but by no means least South Western Vehicle Auctions.
“Supporting opens are so important to the evening – the icing on the cake and much appreciated.”
Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/resultsMeeting.aspx?id=171497