Churchfield Syd is set to target the Kent Plate at Central Park following an impressive victory in the Ladbrokes Winter Derby at Monmore. Trained by Richard Rees, Churchfield Syd secured revenge over Links Maverick to claim the Winter Derby title. The victory was particularly significant as Churchfield Syd had finished second to Links Maverick in all rounds of the previous year's Ladbrokes Gold Cup over the same course and distance.
In the Winter Derby Final, Churchfield Syd, the sole wide seed, made a fast start and took control of the race. King Capaldi initially led but Churchfield Syd showcased a devastating turn of pace, eventually taking the lead and crossing the finish line with a length and a half advantage. The victory marked Churchfield Syd's second Category One title, an achievement that seemed unlikely after suffering a muscle injury in the semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby the previous year.
Charlie Rees, kennelhand and son of Richard Rees, expressed delight for the owners and the team, highlighting the dog's maturity and impressive performance in trapping and back-running against King Capaldi. Churchfield Syd's success in the Ladbrokes Winter Derby adds to the Rees team's track record, having won the competition twice in the last four years.
Looking ahead, the plan is to target the Arc Kent Plate at Central Park, with the ultimate goal being the Star Sports English Greyhound Derby. The team will focus on making a plan centered around the prestigious English Greyhound Derby.
Monmore general manager, Paul Mason, congratulated everyone involved with Churchfield Syd and acknowledged the strong lineup in the Ladbrokes Winter Derby final, expressing excitement for the upcoming Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby.