KIM SANZONE, head of greyhound racing operations at sponsors Star Sports, is looking forward to Saturday’s semi-finals of the Welsh Derby at Valley Stadium after the heats of the revived famous race attracted interest from a number of trainers and kennels – and produced some cracking performances.

Last run in 1977, six heats of the Star Sports Welsh Derby underlined the interest and support for the decision to bring the event back and three semi-finals of the 460m competition will produced the finalists for what will be a gala night at the track for finals night on Saturday, October 3.

Sanzone said: “We’re delighted how the event has started and are looking forward to the next two Saturdays, especially finals night.

“Everyone has been so supportive,” added Sanzone. “The whole sport has come together in hoping the Welsh Derby is a success and Valley got a great and complete entry.

“I’ve gone on record as saying how the event is the perfect opportunity for us as a sport – and as a company – to demonstrate our full support to our greyhound friends in Wales and hopefully together we can overturn what is clearly an unjust proposed ban of the sport. We will do everything in our power to right that wrong.”

Fastest in last weekend’s heats was Christian Darch’s Clongeel Bono who posted 28.14sec (-20) when saving the best for last in heat six.

The other heats were won by Donna Davy’s Fastlane George (28.37sec -20), Craig Marston’s Blackstone Ten (28.45sec -20), Mike Burton’s pair of Face The Storm (28.34sec -20) and Magical Hawk (28.56sec -20) and Steven Howard’s Romeo Victor (28.31sec -20).

In addition to three semi-finals of the Star Sports Welsh Derby, Saturday also sees three heats of the Malcolm Tams Memorial Trophy staged in memory of the late former Valley owner, the final of which also takes place on Saturday, October 3.