Clona Curly secured Diane Henry her second Northern Puppy Derby title with a remarkable performance in the Arena Racing Company-backed Category One final at Newcastle on Thursday.
Ten Large Down secured a win for the Towcester trainer in 2010, in many ways kick-starting her career as a successful handler, and Clona Curly repeated the feat with an impressive display, claiming the £12,500 prize.
Led from the traps by Maxine Locke’s Droopys Eunice, the eventual winner showcased his best exit in the competition when it mattered most, making a pivotal move and ultimately proving too strong for the Romford bitch. This marked his third UK start for Henry, all in the Newcastle event.
Taking the lead rounding the third bend, the National Puppy Stakes semi-finalist at Shelbourne Park and fast Cork stakes winner was on his way to success for owner Kevin Boothby.
Stretching clear up the home straight, Clona Curly crossed the line just over three lengths ahead of Droopys Eunice in second, with Kevin Hutton’s Coppice Ella staying on to secure third place in the 480m decider.
The Star Sports English Greyhound Derby at Towcester, the track run by winning owner Boothby, is now the next target for connections.