BUBBLY INFERNO secured a surprising yet well-earned victory at 16-1 in the Stadium Bookmakers TV Trophy Final at Oxford on Saturday, displaying an impressive surge of pace on the second lap to clinch a popular win.
Trained by Paul Young for The Champagne Club Syndicate, the June 2021 daughter of Good News and Bubbly Firebird achieved her fourth triumph in the renowned competition for Romford trainer Young, making him the joint-winningmost trainer in TV Trophy history alongside Mark Wallis.
Adding to Young’s previous wins in the prestigious event with Serious Dog (2002) and double champion Ericas Equity (2003 and 2005), Bubbly Inferno came from behind to seize the £15,000 prize after early leaders Garfiney Blaze (Mark Wallis) and Alright Patricia (David Lewis).
Although the favourite, Ballymac Taylor (Mark Wallis), positioned herself well in third place and appeared ready to make a move down the far side, it was Bubbly Inferno who took the initiative, accelerating down the back straight to overtake her rivals on the outside around the final two bends.
From there, recent Crayford 1,048m winner Bubbly Inferno refused to yield, maintaining her lead despite a strong finish from Ballymac Taylor along the home straight. This victory avenged her previous defeat to the latter in a match race at Romford last October.
The win brought immense joy to ‘Bubbly Club’ chairman Steve Fluin, who expressed his elation, stating: “I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing – it was like a dream come true!
“You always hope for success, but the TV Trophy final was such a fantastic event that you couldn’t quite believe it, even though this bitch is truly exceptional. She has an incredible sense of where the finish line is, as demonstrated at Crayford where she never gives up and always gives her all. I’m thrilled for all the members, especially those present tonight.
“Some of the members placed bets before the event, but even those who didn’t secure 16-1 odds on the night, which was a remarkable price in hindsight. Despite predictions of a walkover, she proved herself admirably in the match race at Romford against Mark's Ballymac Taylor.
“It’s satisfying to come out on top, but Ballymac Taylor is an outstanding bitch from an excellent litter, and Mike Davis (MWD Partnership) was one of the first to congratulate us on the night. Kevin Boothby (Oxford promoter) was also very gracious, and we appreciate him and his team for hosting all the members tonight.
“They’ve had a fantastic time, passing around the winning trophy, taking photos, and giving interviews! It’s been a memorable evening, made even more special by the fact that Bubbly Inferno is sired by Bubbly Bluebird, arguably the best greyhound associated with the Club, out of our own Bubbly Firebird.
“Inferno embodies ‘Team Youngy’ and the spirit of the Bubbly Club, so we extend our gratitude to breeder Mike Westlake.
“We’ll certainly cherish this victory for a while and look forward to renewing rivalries with some of tonight’s competitors – perhaps at Monmore on Saturday and in the Dorando Marathon at Towcester on Derby final night.”