COONOUGH CROW added a second Category One title to her impressive CV with a stunning off-the-pace victory in the Ladbrokes Kent St Leger Final at Crayford on Sunday.
The Mark Wallis-trained star overcame what seemed like a challenging draw to catch longtime leader Baywatch Bullet (Belinda Green) in the final stretch, securing the £10,000 prize and prestigious trophy for owners the MWD Partnership of Mike Davis, Michelle Connolly, and trainer Wallis himself.
Starting from trap five in the 714m decider, Coonough Crow was initially led to the bend by the Hove raider and Droopys Flotilla (Nathan Hunt). She faced a significant challenge when colliding with Dazl Rolex (Ricky Holloway), the Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket winner, at the first bend, causing Dazl Rolex to go wide.
Despite Baywatch Bullet clocking a swift 22.91sec sectional for the first lap and maintaining a healthy lead into the second circuit, Coonough Crow gradually closed the gap. She launched her winning move off the final bend, clinching victory by one and a half lengths.
The October 2020 daughter of Eden The Kid and Coonough Dolly, the oldest finalist, completed the race in 45.21sec (+30). Dazl Rolex finished strongly to secure second place, narrowly ahead of the valiant Baywatch Bullet, with Ballymac Taylor, Coonough Crow’s fast-finishing kennelmate, coming in fourth.
Winning trainer Mark Wallis, who confirmed the Dorando Marathon on Star Sports/TRC English Derby Final night as Ballymac Taylor’s next major target, is considering entering Coonough Crow in the Coral Regency at Hove.
“First off, I’ve got to say we’re absolutely delighted with Crow – she’s a real star,” said Wallis. “I mentioned last week she’ll always be a favorite after winning the MWD Partnership’s first major victory in the Sunderland Grand Prix last year, but this win is even better in many ways because that draw in trap five looked really tough.
“What impressed me again was her trackcraft. Crow’s always had something special, but she’s never run better, and her running style just suits Crayford perfectly – she navigates the bends exceptionally well. Remember, she started as the favorite to win the Golden Jacket. Ironically, trap one, which seemed favorable on paper, worked against her in that race.
“This time, a tougher draw seemingly worked in her favor. Although she had to work hard for it, when she and Dazl Rolex bumped, I thought they were both out of the race. But both recovered well, and Crow just got back into her rhythm a bit quicker and managed to outstay the front two.
“I’m delighted for Mike and Michelle and want to thank Sid (Huett) and Emily (Wallis) for managing things on the night. Once again, Crayford treated connections royally and are a credit to the sport on these occasions, so thanks to the management there and to sponsors Ladbrokes.”