VHAGAR brought up an incredible century of Category One wins for 15-time champion trainer Mark Wallis with an impressive victory in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic Final at Monmore on Saturday.

Landing Wallis’s third win in the 630m annual on a night the Wolverhampton track also staged the final of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Final, the MWD Partnership-owned February 2023 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Limini followed previous wins in the event for Droopys Zach (2009) and Ferryforth Fran (2016).

They sit on the list of 100 Category One winners registered by Wallis from the moment Go Commando crossed the line in front to win the Gymcrack at Hall Green in 2005 – with the Towcester Challenge Cup winner the most recent name on that roll of honour after taking down the £10,000 prize in impressive style at the weekend. 

Team Wallis had a strong hand in the final with New Destiny, a multiple Category One winner herself, also in the line-up. However, once denied the lead by the fast-starting Antigua Kestrel (Kevin Hutton), the way was clear for kennelmate Vhagar to strike.

Turning the second bend a clear second behind Antigua Kestrel but ahead of New Destiny, the younger Wallis representative was always likely to get first crack at the leader and, as the pace-setter came under pressure down the far side second time, Vhagar swooped to the front and quickly settled the issue.

Racing away for a three and a half lengths win from New Destiny for a Wallis one-two, with third place going to Clona Ice (Brian Fairbairn), Vhagar stopped the clock in a slick 37.54sec (normal) for the six-bend distance.

Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson congratulated connections of Vhagar and all the other major winners on the night with another major double-header at the track going down well with all concerned.

“It really was a great night’s racing and kicked off a good Bank Holiday weekend here, especially with us celebrating National Greyhound Week on the Monday itself. That was really well attended with lots of families here and just a great showcase of what this sport can offer.

“And seeing some of the fastest greyhounds round here on Saturday was equally special.

“Hats off to our two Category One winners Vhagar (Summer Stayers Classic) and Headford Dane (Gold Cup) and well done to Mark Wallis and Maxine Locke and their staff.

“They are two champions of the track and we look forward to see them here again – Vhagar’s certainly young enough to be back here to defend her title next year, and Headford Dane just loves Monmore! He’s done something no other greyhound has done by winning the Puppy Derby and Gold Cup. That’s special.

“We also had the Vixons Contracts Ltd Trophy and the Peter Billingham Memorial Trophy and thanks to Brian (Thompson) and Kim (Billingham-Hine) for their support.

“I know a few judges were impressed by Maxine Locke’s Turnthemagicon who ran away with Peter’s memorial race, while Nathan’s (Hunt) Scooby The Boss led home a first and third for the kennel in the Vixons Contracts final. Both winners played their part on a great night all-round.”

Photos: © Steve Nash