BRADYS BULLET was a brilliant last-to-first winner of the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby Final at Monmore on Saturday as the Belinda Green-trained runner emerged triumphant in what proved a fantastic contest for the GBGB Category One annual at a busy Wolverhampton venue on Saturday.

 

Landing the young Hove handler the biggest prize of her career, the July 2021 son of Good News and Early Rise was winning for the fourth time in six starts for owners Billy Boyle, Dave Lawrence, Belinda herself, and the trainer’s partner and assistant Gary Whittington.

 

Led early by both fast-starting Cooliogold (Maxine Locke) and then Links Maverick (Tom Heilbron), who had taken up the running off the second bend, the pair impressively pulling clear of the remainder, Bradys Bullet had plenty to do in behind but made headway down the back and closed on the leaders as the race unfolded.

 

As Cooliogold came back for more to challenge for the lead, Bradys Bullet swooped to conquer in the middle of his two rivals, grabbing gold close home to win by a neck from Cooliogold in 28.19sec (normal), with Links Maverick a close-up third. Fearsome Quest (John Marriott) finished well in fourth.

 

The victory delighted the winner’s part-owner Boyle, who said afterwards: “What a final that was – just wow! The race had everything with three potentially different winners at three different stages of the race, but above all it was a clean-run race with few excuses so deserving of such a prestigious and quality final.

 

“Cooliogold and Links Maverick were immense in defeat and played their part in such a good final and I’m sure they will have their day again very soon.

 

“I’m so pleased for both Lindy and Gary. They work extremely hard, both are very ambitious, wanting to improve, and ultimately win big races and ‘Tommy’ was handled expertly through the duration of the competition especially as the week leading to the final wasn’t plain sailing.

 

“Tommy has the temperament to match his talent. He’s a brave and sensible dog who seems to be able to pick his way through, dare I say it, in Westmead Hawk-esque style! He was giving away age and experience but was still able to come out on top when it mattered. 

 

“Bradys was purchased after a 19-length demolition job on his debut on a winter’s night in Clonmel clocking 28.73sec. Adam Dunford trained him and he came highly recommended via my friend John O’Neil.

 

“Adam explained the pup was relatively lightly schooled and still very green – and we saw that in his qualifying trials. He was novicey and had to learn the hard way the art of passing other greyhounds at speed. 

 

“In his first trial he clocked 29.84sec over 500m at Hove, losing any amount of time, and I turned to Gary and wondered what time he’d clock when putting it all together. He followed that with a 29.35sec run, beating two A1 types.

 

 

“He was beaten in his first two races, again mainly due to his inexperience and poorly seeded greyhounds, but learned a lot from those races.

 

“We decided he’d be better suited plying his trade against pups rather than experienced seasoned types so gave him a trial at Monmore in prep for a possible tilt at the Puppy Derby there – and he flew round in 28.18sec. He then managed to pick up Churchfield Syd in a trial stakes, which was some effort, and has now taken his tally to four-from-four at Monmore.

 

“The hospitality shown by Monmore and Entain was second to none and our evening was very enjoyable. Tony Williamson (Monmore racing manager) and his team do a fantastic job with the racing and I’m pleased they were rewarded with a cracking and clean race.

 

“Historically the Monmore Puppy Derby tends to be a great competition with many going on to do great things. I hope this year is no different!

 

“The Derby is earlier this year which isn’t ideal, but it’s every owner’s dream to win one and, having nearly tasted success in 2017 when reaching the final with both Bombers Bullet and Bruisers Bullet, I’m keen to taste some more!

 

“I can’t see any reason why Bradys Bullet won’t take to Towcester. Yes he may have to come from behind but he’s already managed that over a quick 480m at Monmore. He’s got great trackcraft for a young dog, is very sensible and has great balance round the bends, all of which he’ll need for Towcester.

 

“Of course he’ll need luck, but don’t they all? And let’s not forget it’s a stiff 500m with a nice run for home.

 

“It’s been enjoyable and easy owning with Dave (Lawrence), Lindy and Gary, as we’re all like-minded greyhound purists, so whilst his future plans are fluid there’s always a dream!”

 

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=395033&raceId=922016