BUBBLY TURBO capped a fantastic career with a well-deserved GBGB Category One success in Sunday’s ‘The Hawk’ Henlow Derby Final.

Trained by Paul Young for the Champagne Club, Bubbly Turbo (8-1) made the most of being the sole railer and ran a smooth bend to take up the running off the second turn after a fast start and always held sway as his rivals crowded behind.

Defending champion King Elvis (Liz McNair), who was himself crowded at the first and seconds bends as Barstool Trainer and Drumcrow Darcy paced up inside him, ran a storming back-straight to give chase to the leader, who was now in full flow.

The Greyhound of the Year got to within a length of Bubbly Turbo at the line, a commendable effort, but the £10,000 prize went the way of the July 2014 son of Razldazl Jayfkay and Rattle The Can, who stopped the clock in 27.36sec (normal) for the 460m trip.

“It was a great run, and I’m just delighted for the dog himself,” said winning trainer Young. “We made him rails at Henlow to just give him a chance. He moved off in the heats first time, but ran the bends better in the semis and final. It was the right choice for him.”

The plan for Bubbly Turbo now is to stage a veterans’ race in his honour at home track Romford, in which he will compete, and the Essex-based handler believes the four-year-old has been one of his star performers over many seasons.

“He’s got a great record, and really deserves this win,” added Young. “He’s been in three Derbys, reaching the semis in 2016, and has made two Yarmouth Derby finals, too, and finished second in the 2016 final. So his CV is a pretty good one.

“I think for all those reasons he’s been a real favourite with his owners. He’s a gutsy dog and always very difficult to beat when leading. Thanks to everyone who made Sunday possible for us, and to Henlow for their fantastic hospitality.

“But above all I want to thank all the staff here,” he added. “There is a huge demand on them now with the schedule at Romford, and it’s afternoons like yesterday that give us all a real buzz. It’s a real boost for the kennel.”

On behalf of the owners, Champagne Club chairman Steve Fluin said: “We’re chuffed to bits to have won ‘The Hawk’ Derby trophy at Henlow – a special race named after one of the greatest greyhounds to have ever graced the track. That’s an honour.

“Turbo has been a great dog for us in the club and deserved to win a big final. He’s over four years of age now, so retirement, win or lose on Sunday, was never that far away. I think now’s the time, so we’ll get a race together at Romford.

“We’ll look to do that between now and Xmas – and then find him a nice sofa! A big thank-you to ‘Team Youngy’ for taking care of him – they all do a great job. Also thanks to Bob Morton for his sponsorship and, as Paul said, Henlow for the way they looked after us all.”