MARK WALLIS landed a record sixth Essex Vase title as Aayamza Magic lifted the Coral-backed GBGB Category One event with a brilliant performance at Romford on Friday.

The August 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Carefree Grace lined up as one of two Wallis-trained runners in the £10,000 final along with Bet365 Puppy Oaks winner Minnie Bullet, although it was the fast-breaking Bonjour Bullet (Belinda Green) and then Millbank Peach (Dan Brabon) who set the pace in the 575m feature.

The Central Park raider was then challenged down the far side second time by Coolavanny Aunty (Angela Harrison), the defending champion, who now launched a serious bid to retain the famous trophy and become just the third greyhound to win back-to-back Essex Vase wins – until Aayamza Magic struck.

Making huge ground himself down the back, the Wallis runner took up the running as the pair swung for home, going on to score by a length and a half in 35.32sec (+30).

The race thrilled a good crowd at the London Road venue, with Romford racing manager Mark Arkell paying his own tribute, commenting: “What a great race! The lead changed hands on a number of occasions and, at various stages of the race, it seemed there’d be a different winner – until Mark’s dog played his hand.

“He was the only dog in the race against the girls, but definitely had the last laugh for his connections who are great supporters of ours here at Romford. Well done to them, but I’d also like to make special mention of the runner-up Coolavanny Aunty. She was part of a Angela Harrison one-two last year and almost won it again this year.

“Indeed, those guys racked up the miles again from the north-east this year and Aunty really is a special bitch for them. She’s run a cracker in defeat.”

Aayamza Magic is owned by the Ayamzaboys Syndicate, for whom a delighted Nigel Smith said: “We always knew he had the pace – remember he had a 34.62sec on the card – but was quite frustrating in many ways. Hopefully the penny has dropped with Magic now and we’ve got to have a crack at the (Premier Greyhound Racing) Golden Jacket.

“He may not stay at Crayford but we’ve nothing to lose. He’s certainly shorter in the ante-post market now anyway!”

Winning trainer Mark Wallis, who was adding to previous victories in the event with double winner Eye Onthe Veto (2006/2007), Reel Trickyone (2013), Adageo Bob (2015) and Antigua Romeo (2021), was also delighted to kick-start a busy Category One weekend with success, and was quick to praise the staff at Imperial Kennels.

“They deserve this and thanks to each and every one of them, as well as Ron Mills. It’s a team effort in what was a particular busy weekend – which started well at Romford.

“The Essex Vase has always been a particular favourite of ours. I’ve been lucky enough to win it a few times, but so, too, has the mother-in-law! Linda (Jones) won it twice herself with Honky Tonk Gal in 1999 and Top Power in 2002, so it’s definitely been a lucky event for us. We’ve had a good few finalists, too, but it’s always special to win it.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=393452&raceId=908794