STORMY NEWS read the script by justifying favouritism in the BresBet Gymcrack Final at Kinsley on Sunday.

Owned and trained by Michael Hurst, the June 2021 son of Good News and Bonito Fox lined up a warm order for the £9,000-to-the-winner decider after success in both heats and semi-finals before duly completing his unbeaten run through the 462m event in the final.

Quickly away, Stormy News was soon in command and, once turning the first bend in front of the early-paced Wrighty (John Mullins), was away and on his way to success before crossing the line two and a half lengths clear of that rival in 27.75sec (+20).

Betsys Minnie (Bev Heaton) crossed the line in third ahead of kennelmate Ballymac Pria in fourth. Victory, however, went to Stormy News, a Tralee sprint winner in his only race in Ireland before arriving at Hurst’s Morpeth kennels – and the trainer was naturally delighted with this GBGB Category One success.

Hurst, who also trained Stormy News’s dam Bonito Fox, told the Racing Post: “I only keep three dogs and this has been an amazing experience from start to finish. Stormy News has just taken to Kinsley from day one.

“With a dog with his early speed I’m happy to take a chance without a trial at a new

track and it worked out fine with him. Mind you, we backed him at 40-1 ante-post and then they redrew the heats and he ended up in a tougher race!

“Thanks to BresBet for their sponsorship and Kinsley for their incredible hospitality – they really look after you.”

Delighted to return the Gymcrack to the GBGB schedule, Kinsley promoter John Curran said: “It’s great to stage the BresBet Gymcrack 2023 after an absence of four years.

“The opportunity arose after BresBet put a great sponsorship package together that the directors of Kinsley could go for and maintain the high standard the Gymcrack deserved.

“On the big night we had a 12-race card with a mix of quality opens including the BresBet Gymcrack Final and Kinsley’s finest graders.

“The hospitality was back to its best with a good crowd in attendance and, here’s the bonus, almost all attendees were real proper dog folk – no six-packer or Groupon to be seen!

“And in God’s own county, the sun shone all evening long with winners and losers going home having enjoyed a proper dog meeting.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=396895&raceId=936665