STAR PELAW racing manager Dave Gray said Saturday’s meeting featuring the final of the Alan Dobbin Maiden Derby Final proved a great success.

The Ross Miller-trained Trimmer Thunder came home first in the 435m showpiece final, soon dominating matters outside, and then holding the finish of Parkfield Bella (Carl Jackson) to score by a short-head in 26.01sec (normal) in a driving finish.
The winner, a September 2023 daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Ketch Up Bella, went off a 12-1 chance for the feature event of the night.
Of the competition itself, RM Gray said: “We saw a good mix of dogs from the north east and, going into the final, it was Carl Jackson’s Parkfield Bella that started the even-money favourite.
“She would encounter some traffic problems on the way round but finished off her race really strongly and looked unlucky at the finish, just going down by a short-head.
“Ironically it was an ex-Carl Jackson kennelmate in Trimmer Thunder that caused something of a boil over! She’s now in the care of Ross Miller and has been competing in maiden opens at the track and, although not disgraced, she hadn’t been able to get her head in front until the big race when it mattered most.
“It was good to see her land a decent-sized pot for the locals through her owner Isaac Warrilow and the aforementioned Miller.”
And of the sponsor, Gray added: “Alan is a bookmaker here at Star Pelaw and has been a staunch and longtime supporter of the track – and is always willing to take a good bet! We thank him for his support.”
Photos: Star Pelaw