REDZER ARDFERT created history at Perry Barr on Saturday as Brendan Maunsell’s runner became the first Irish-trained winner of the English St Leger.

Owned by Pat Reddan and Kathleen Clifford, whose late husband Noel owned Matt O’Donnell’s 1991 Irish Derby champion Ardfert Mick, Redzer Ardfert went to traps as favourite over Antigua Fire (Mark Wallis) and soon had a decent advantage over his market rival.

With Kent St Leger winner Antigua Fire slower away and Redzer Ardfert soon handy behind early leader Avastorm (Mark Wallis), the Irish runner was always primed to land the £15,000 first prize, backed for the first time by Racing Post Greyhound TV.

Hitting the front off approaching the fifth bend, the Shelbourne 750yd track record holder was on his way to adding his name to a famous roll of honour, with Antigua Fire finishing best to edge his kennelmate for second.

Summer Savvy (Paul Sallis) finished fourth ahead of Brave Ark (Matt Dartnall), with Patrick Janssens reporting Skilful Sandie, who finished the course after being knocked over between the first and second bends, fine ahead of a thorough check this week.

A delighted Brendan Maunsell, owner of the Fire Height Kennels in Abbeydorney, Tralee, said: “That was fantastic – and worth the travelling! We’ve had some long journeys there, three of them to race, but also a visit to trial. He’s handled it better than us!

“We couldn’t have asked for much more on the night. We know he’s a cracking dog and has handled Perry Barr well. We had a great reception and were well looked after by the track – there were a few of us, too, and I could hear the cheers from them!”

Maunsell, who supplied former track star Fire Height Dan to Mick Puzey and came over to England to watch him race before joining connections at the Greyhound of the Year Awards, paid special thanks to Peter Kelly, who owns fellow kennel star Cash Is King.

“Peter’s from Manchester and we stopped over with him before heading back to Ireland on Sunday. It was a good weekend for us because his Cash Is King qualified for the final of the St Leger at Limerick – so that gives us a chance at the double I suppose!”

Plans for Redzer Ardfert are set in stone now, with a supporting race on Irish St Leger Final night at Limerick on Saturday followed by the Michael Fortune Night of Stars at Shelbourne on November 30. A defence of his English St Leger title next year is also on.

Martin Fennings, stadium manager at the Arc venue, said: “Saturday was our best night of the year. We had a terrific crowd and they have seen history being made here given a first Irish winner of the St Leger – so well done to Brendan and his team.

“Thanks to our sponsors Racing Post Greyhound TV, whose support has helped us offer an increased first prize this year. The St Leger is one of the sport’s oldest Classics and we are proud to stage it here at Perry Barr.

“Thanks to the owners and trainers who made it possible with a brilliant entry – especially those entries from Ireland, with Brendan joined by Nicky and Graham Holland’s efforts.

“I’ve also to give credit to all my team who worked tirelessly, especially the track staff who had their work cut out especially when the heavens opened on semi-final night.

“The meeting was certainly in doubt at some point, but their hard work saved the day, and the track was in great condition on Saturday. Well done to racing manager Martin Seal and his team also for putting on a cracking supporting card, too.

“We look forward to building on this year’s success next year. It was great to have Errol Blyth here for RPGTV and also Jonathan Hobbs ‘working the room’ in the restaurant, talking to connections and introducing the finalists on parade.

“It all helped for a great atmosphere and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. Well done again to our friends from Ireland and congratulations to Brendan Maunsell and Redzer Ardfert. Also well done to Mark Wallis – I know he’d loved to have won, of course, but second and third in a St Leger is no mean feat.”