GARFINEY BLAZE became just the second winner of the event at Central Park when running away with the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch Final on Saturday – improving his own track record in the process as he led home a littermate one-two in one of the sport’s traditional Classics for 14-time champion trainer Mark Wallis.

Trained by Wallis for the MWD Partnership, Garfiney Blaze crossed the line in front of litter sister Ballymac Taylor to complete an unbeaten run through the £12,500-to-the-winner event, succeeding last year’s champion Cochise (Richard Rees) in the process, who won the inaugural running at the Kent venue.

Heading to traps, it was Garfiney Blaze who started a warm 4-6 favourite to claim the title after solid performances in both heat and semi-final and looked to defend an unbeaten record in the UK after reaching the final of last year’s Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger at Perry Barr unbeaten for Graham Holland until being withdrawn from the final.

A fast start was needed given the make-up of the 731m contest – and that is exactly what Garfiney Blaze, a September 2021 son of Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Merkle, got. He trapped in front and paced up into a healthy lead into the first bend, quickly securing an advantage he never looked likely to relinquish.

Keeping up the gallop, Garfiney Blaze had stretched well clear by halfway as the rest of the field crowded in behind before crossing the line five lengths clear of staying-on kennelmate and litter sister Ballymac Taylor in 44.05sec, a new best for the recently introduced six-bend trip at the Sittingbourne track.

Alright Gordy (David Lewis) crossed the line in third, the 20-1 outsider running a good race to make the places. However, it was Garfiney Blaze’s Cesarewitch and a delighted part-owner Mike Davis collected the famous trophy from Central Park GM Hayley Huntley.

Davis said: “That was a great performance and well done to Mark (Wallis) and the team for making it happen. I always thought he might have to trap in front to win, just to clear Bradys Bullet who had been moving off at Central Park. That’s what happened in the semis and I actually thought he did well to qualify, let alone win the race.

“We bought him after the Winter Racing Festival at Shelbourne to join his litter sister Ballymac Taylor. They are a fantastic litter bred by Liam (Dowling) and hopefully both can have a really good 2024 – and it’s certainly started well. I thought Ballymac Taylor ran a really good race in behind and to get a one-two in the Cesarewitch is pretty special.”

Davis and the MWD Partnership enjoyed a superb 2023 and said: “Given we only really launched the MWD Partnership in February, it was a great year until December when Liz and Rab (McNair) had that dream week of successes!”

Winning trainer Mark Wallis added: “It’s a great start to the year and gives us all a lift. Garfiney Blaze is just an ultra-professional dog who takes things in his stride, but what’s impressing me is how well he’s staying. He was still just ahead of Ballymac Taylor at the pick-up on Saturday, so we’ve got to let them both take their chance in the TV Trophy!”