KILARA LION set the standard in the heats of the RPGTV 74th East Anglian Greyhound Derby at Yarmouth as the Patrick Janssens-trained runner opened his account at the second time of asking for his new handler.

Sent to Janssens by Alex Hopkins and the two-year-old’s owners while the Doncaster handler enjoys a maternity sabbatical, Kilara Lion had run well at Monmore on the Gold Cup final card before heading to the east coast track where he lined up in heat two.

Trapping smartly, the February 2018 son of Droopys Jet and Kilara Lizzie was always in command and crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front of Notouttheway (John Mullins) and kennelmate Lenson Whelan. The winning time was 27.62sec (+20).

Janssens said: “I thought he ran well at Monmore and, while I always thought he’d lead Lenson Whelan, the way he finished the race was great too. He’s got the toughest semi-final on Wednesday but if he can trap well he’s got a chance of qualifying.

“Kilara Lion came from Alex (Hopkins) because she’s just had a baby and we’re delighted to have him. He settled in well and I saw a re-run of RPGTV to see Alex had contacted the show and was delighted Lion had won – and baby Niall was happy too!

“The owners include one of the great trainers in Harry Crapper and hopefully we can continue the great job Alex has done with the dog. I’m delighted Lenson Whelan has qualified, too, and hopefully we can get some luck in the semis now.”

Angela Harrison enjoyed mixed fortunes on the night, landing a double courtesy of Droopys Dazzler (27.81sec +10) in heat three and Levante Beach (28.36sec N) in heat five, but also seeing Droopys Nadal suffer a career-ending injury.

Jimmy Wright, assistant to partner Harrison, said: “Tonight it’s all about Nadal and he’ll be fixed up, allowed to recover fully, and then homed. I thought both our two winners showed great pace and will improve for their runs here. They’re learning about Yarmouth.”

John Mullins was delighted to see all three of his Yarmouth Derby entries qualify for the semi-finals, which included heat four winner Swift Lettuce who paced up to lead into the first bend and won by four lengths from Bockos Boss (Kevin Boon) in 27.63sec (+10).

Barry Kent, travelling head lad for the Yarmouth handler, said: “That’s what John wanted, so it’s great. Swift Lettuce has not had too much racing of late with a slight niggle, and Detroit had been off for two months, so will improve. He’s Notouttheway’s brother.”

The aforementioned Detroit finished third in the opening heat to the Jim Reynolds-trained Vice Charm who led at the first bend and was always bossing proceedings, winning by a length from Ernie Gaskin’s Ballydoyle Miley in 27.79sec (+20).

Erica Samuels landed the sixth and final heat courtesy of Black Mystery who paced up well outside, riding a bump to lead off the first bend to win by three and three-quarter lengths in 27.93sec (normal) from Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin).

Marcus Westgate, Yarmouth racing manager, said: “The semis brought a mix of emotions given Nadal’s injury which was a real blow, but I thought Angela Harrison’s two winners (Droopys Dazzler and Levante Beach) both showed great speed.

“Dazzler’s true inside form shone from trap one. He was a touch juddery on the second bend, but there’s no doubt after Jimmy (Wright) agreed to change the seeding that he had the advantage of the inside at Yarmouth.

“The talk of a slow time from Levante had us doubting ourselves! I literally had to check the photo-finish three times, but it was right and shouldn’t deter from what was a fantastic and very game win though.”

“Vics Charm also deserves a big mention. He clocked a fantastic 5.19sec split and it was a massive win for Jim (Reynolds), as it was for Patrick (Janssens) with Kilara Lion, who showed some of the form he had before lockdown at Nottingham and Sheffield.

“John Mullins’ Swift Lettuce ran an absolute barnstormer, winning at his home track and having the experience of multiple A1 wins here behind him, then there was another local winner in Black Mystery – what an amazing run.

“She’s had her problems in the past but didn’t show any of them in heat six. I’m pretty certain I could hear Craig Samuels cheering her home from the infield!

“I think the semi-finals line up well. Droopys Dazzler in three might actually help him get round that second bend, but he now has inside pace to contend with – and how well did both Dantes Inferno and Troy Firebird finish in the heats? True guts and determination.

“There’s some great local connections in the second semi. It’s a great trap for Paul Burr’s remaining charge Lastfortheroad in six and, as for that third semi, it’s a shame only two can go through – but what a finale to a great night we have in store. It looks some race.”

Yarmouth have been able to allow customers in and Westgate has been delighted to hear the cheers of patrons coming from terraces and restaurant below the judge’s box – especially for a meeting as big as the East Anglian Derby.

“It’s great to have some cheering out there,” he said. “Watching the racing behind closed doors felt somewhat surreal, with the atmosphere of a usually bustling stadium going quiet for a few months. On Wednesday it pretty much felt like normal again.

“Many thanks to all connections, the trainers and owners that have supported us this year, and a big thank-you to RPGTV also. We can also not forget our unsung hero Dave Levy from the GBGB, who has had helped us no end throughout this period.”

Trap draw and form for Wedesday’s semi-finals: www.bagsracing.com/assets/9-september—yarmouth-adv.pdf