SOUTHFIELD POPPY led home a brilliant 1-2-3 for Kevin Hutton in the 78th BGBF Two-Year-Old British Bred Produce Stakes (476m) at Swindon.

Claiming a second victory in the British-bred showpiece for the winning trainer after Signet Denver’s success in 2022, a fast start from Southfield Poppy saw her crucially get first run on her rivals and a battling performance saw her cross the line narrowly in front of 7-4 favourite Union Rebel and Southfield Petal, the winner’s litter sister.

Less than a length covered the Hutton trio, producing almost the perfect scenario for the Burford-based handler who was congratulated by Liz Mort, the BGBF chair.

Mort said: “It was a magnificent achievement from Kevin and Donna and the team – and well done to them and to Mark Gilbert, who owns both the first and third, the litter sisters Southfield Poppy and Southfield Petal. It was a real pleasure to present them with what is a very heavy Produce Stakes trophy!”

Quickly into stride, the April 2022 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Forest Natalee – another major winner for the record-breaking dam – had to battle to edge fast-starting Romeo Cypher (Tom Heilbron) into the turn before going on.

Joined by Union Rebel off the second bend, the kennelmates had a real buckle thereafter with the latter just nosing ahead rounding the third bend before Southfield Poppy rallied and moved ahead off the last bend to win by a neck from Union Rebel, with Southfield Petal finishing fast a half a length behind. The winning time was 28.29sec (+10).

Mort added: “It was a great final and congratulations to all concerned – and thanks, as always, to the team at Swindon for running this prestigious Category One competition for British-breds which was first run in 1946! They put on an excellent buffet for trainers, owners and connections of the finalists, which was great.

“But of course it was Kevin Hutton’s night and once again – after litter brothers Signet Denver and Signet Goofy finished first and third two years – he has done it again with litter sisters this time.”

Southfield Poppy had initially been reluctant to chase and Hutton was quick to praise the team responsible for their “perseverance and hard work” – particularly highlighting the work of partner and assistant Donna (Witchells) and Jeff Sealey at Bicester schooling track.

“I’m also delighted for Mark (Gilbert),” said Hutton. “He bought both Poppy and Petal at six weeks old and, certainly in the case of Poppy, has been very patient – and that patience has been rewarded. Mark has been a great and loyal owner of ours for many years.”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=417389&raceId=1070179