AAYAMZA ROYALE, the reigning GBGB Greyhound of the Year, bettered her own eight-bend track record when gaining revenge for her Dorando Marathon defeat by Savana Volcano in heat two of the Stadium Bookmakers Marathon Trophy at Towcester on Sunday.

Mark Wallis’s bitch had to give second best to her rival on Derby final night and Savana Volcano (10-11) was made favourite for the re-match at the Northamptonshire venue.

However, Aayamza Royale (11-10) turned closer this time and, with kennelmate Antigua Lava denying the fast-breaking Savana Volcano a lead, the eventual winner always looked a major threat.

Moving into second down the back-straight first time, the recently crowned Regency champion was in full flow and gradually closed on Antigua Lava before hitting the front approaching the seventh bend for a four and a half length success over Diane Henry’s star, with Antigua Lava (Mark Wallis) qualifying in third. The winning time was 58.15sec, an improvement of 25 spots on Aayamza Royale’s previous best in March.

Paul Young’s Bubbly Angel (11-8) came through powerfully to win the first heat, proving too strong for longtime leader and favourite Antigua Mememe (Mark Wallis), who led to the seventh bend before being reeled in. The Romford bitch crossed the line five and a quarter lengths clear of Antigua Mememe, with Roseville Tiger (Robert Emery) qualifying in third. The winning time for the 942m distance was 59.27sec.

Towcester spokesman and consultant Nathan Corden said it was very much a case of quality over quantity in the event, which received less than the advertised entries before being reduced to a two-round competition. The Northamptonshire venue stages the £12,500 decider on Sunday and Corden praised the track’s bookmakers for sponsoring the event.

He said: “Obviously we didn’t receive the full complement of entries but the quality it’s produced for the final is superb. It was important to keep the competition despite the low number, so thanks to the bookmakers here for their continued support. They are supporting our pledge to stage regular Category One events here and must be praised for that.

“Once again we have another cracking Aayamza Royale versus Savana Volcano clash, but Antigua Lava and Bubbly Angel could still have a major say in the race. It promises to be another superb marathon here, with a big prize up for grabs on another afternoon of top-class racing here at Towcester. In addition to the marathon final we also have a maiden final.

“Our next competition coming up is another Category One event – the bitches-only Empress Stakes, which starts on September 12.”

*Trap draw for Sunday’s Stadium Bookmakers Marathon Trophy Final: 1 Bubbly Angel, 2 Antigua Lava, 3 Roseville Tiger (m), 4 Antigua Mememe (m), 5 Savana Volcano (w), 6 Aayamza Royale (w).