VELVET JULIET produced a top-class performance to deny Allowdale Bruno back-to-back successes in the event in Wednesday’s Ted Lloyd Classic Final at Sunderland.

One of three finalists from Angela Harrison’s kennel, the April 2017 daughter of Head Bound and Velvet All Jam broke smartly but was soon challenged in the dash to the bend by the Harry Williams-trained defending champion.

Running a terrific bend, Allowdale Bruno hit the front down the back and put pressure on the sole bitch in the race and her powerful surge up the home straight collared her rival to win by one and three-quarter lengths in 26.70sec (normal).

Winning trainer Harrison said: “I was worried when she moved off at the bend, but Harry’s dog ran a terrific bend and put her under pressure. She’s run great to pick him up and we’re delighted to win. Thank-you very much to the sponsors for saving the event.”

Her partner and assistant Jimmy Wright added: “I could see she was beginning to mount a challenge down the back – I just didn’t want her to challenge at the bend. Thankfully she’s been able to go again off the last bend. She’s just so strong.

“We think she’ll stay well so the plan is to go for the (Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic) Monmore race, but she’s also got so much speed and was one spot outside the track record at Sunderland in the semis. She has plenty of options.

“We’ve not had her long but you can see is coming forward. She’s done it really well, but fair play to Droopys Trapper and Nadal for getting to the final. Trapper didn’t quite come away as he can, but he recovered really well to finish third.

“It’s been a busy time, but fair play to Ian (Sutherland) who looked after the kennel when myself and Angela had a few days away after the Derby. We’ve now got the Select Stakes  on Monday with Droopys Verve – we’ve pulled Droopys Expert out.

“He didn’t trial well and his blood count isn’t quite right, so he’ll be off for a while. But Verve looks in good order and trialled well,” added Wright. Following Wednesday’s success, Angela Harrison is up to fourth in the Trainer of the Year standings.

Winning owner Neil Conlon said: “It’s great to win, but well done to Kevin Lloyd and the sponsors for backing this race. We need to save these major races and they have done a fantastic job.

“Once Juliet got herself in a position I was confident she’d win – she’s so strong. It’s fantastic to win and well done to Angela, Jimmy, Ian and the team for their hard work. Well done also to Sunderland – the track looked a picture tonight.”

Kevin Lloyd, who sponsored the event under the NSL banner in memory of his father Ted, said: “It’s been a great night and good to see lots of proper greyhound people here at Sunderland. Well done to the winner – it was a fantastic performance.

“We were able to support this race in memory of my father, but also use the night to support Zoe’s Place, which is a childrens’ charity. They have a baby hospice in Middlesbrough – and it’s a cause close to our hearts. They do an amazing job.”

David Williamson, executive director of Newcastle & Sedgefield Racecourses but also overseeing business at Arc’s two greyhound tracks (Newcastle and Sunderland), said: “I was delighted with Wednesday’s meeting.

“I thought the track looked well and it was good to see a full restaurant and people enjoying themselves in the evening sun. Indeed, given the temperatures, I thought Joanne (Wilson, stadium manager) and her team did a fantastic job regards greyhound welfare and some great racing was topped off by a close final.

“It was a night to remember for all the winners, although I’m sure the famous ‘Roker roar’ was surpassed when Allowdale  Bruno took the lead early in the final – he’s a terrifically popular greyhound – only for Velvet Juliet to rein him in.

“My thanks go to Kev Lloyd and his family for their generous sponsorship throughout the competition and I hope they had an enjoyable evening.”