SIGNET GOOFY edged out Romeo Command in an early contender for race of the year in Sunday’s Blue Riband Final at Towcester.

Trained by John Mullins for owners Lee Calcutt and Chris Waters, the now-senior British-bred January 2020 son of Magical Bale and Forest Natalee landed his second Category One triumph following the 2022 Steel City Cup with a trademark exhibition of front-running to take the coveted £10,000 prize.

However, it was never plain-sailing. Albeit well away on his way to a fast 3.96sec sectional,  hot favourite Romeo Command (Patrick Janssens) was soon on his tail and joined issue off the second turn. Thereafter, the pair had a terrific tussle, going head-to-head, with no quarter asked or given in the race for one of the sport’s great prizes.

Romeo Command pushed Signet Goofy all the way but the latter had a neck to spare over the English Derby runner-up at the winning line in 29.39sec (-40), with Newinn Syd (Mark Wallis) just over three lengths away in third.

The victory sparked great scenes, with the neutrals praising what was a fantastic race between two top-class trackers, and those connected to John Mullins delighted to see the evergreen Signet Goofy triumph in such a famous competition.

Winning trainer Mullins told SportyStuff TV: “I knew we had to lead to win and be in front at the second bend. Fortunately he was and then he’s kicked down the back. He’s a legend this dog for us, even before today. He’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever had. Credit to Kevin (Hutton) and Donna for breeding him and to all our staff. What a greyhound.”

A delighted part-owner Lee Calcutt, reflecting on the victory yesterday, added: “What more can I say? It was another incredibly gutsy run by Goofy. He’s the people’s champion and has a fantastic following and fan club.

“Unfortunately for the past two years he’s been overlooked when it comes to the GBGB Awards despite winning multiple Category One and Two comps. He was also the winningmost greyhound in 2022 and only Laughill Jess beat him in 2023.

“He’s also never won a Greyhound of the Month but we told Goofy this and he came up trumps winning the Blue Riband in fantastic style!

“Top credit to trainer John Mullins and the Dillymore team. It was a fantastic training performance to keep Goofy at top of his game despite celebrating his fourth birthday last week and, personally, it’s great to win the Blue Riband again having won it in 2012 at Hall Green with Young Sid.”