Rolex made history as the first locally-trained champion in 17 years, clinching the Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket Final at a vibrant Crayford Stadium.
Ricky Holloway, the trainer for owners Tony Brealey and Roger Cearns, guided the youngest finalist to a late surge, overtaking Liz McNair’s Havana Top Note, the long-time leader. This thrilling triumph marked the 50th edition of the prestigious race.
The final, with a £20,000 prize for the winner, promised excitement from the outset. Havana Top Note, the Challenge Cup champion, displayed impressive early pace, leading into the turn after a fairly level break. Securing a notable advantage on the second bend, Havana Top Note seemed to have taken the lead. However, with the formidable Dazl Rolex in close pursuit, the race intensified.
Closing down the far side and outpacing the Mark Wallis-trained Coonough Crow and Ballymac Taylor, Dazl Rolex surged to the front on the last bend, overtaking Havana Top Note to secure victory by a length. The 714m trip was completed in 45.03 seconds.
The winner’s podium at Crayford witnessed jubilant scenes as local trainer Holloway received congratulations from the track staff, with racing manager Danny Rayment presenting the iconic trophy to Holloway, Brealey, and Cearns.
Holloway enjoyed a triumphant day with five winners, dominating the David Wicks Memorial Trophy Final over 380m as Similar Display led kennelmate Miss Syd in 23.21 seconds. Nathan Hunt claimed success in the Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy Final, with Allowdale Cazoo finishing strongly to edge past Ritzy Empress in a short-head victory in 33.69 seconds over the 540m distance.
The Crayford card featured a 1,048m contest, taken by Paul Young-trained Bubbly Inferno, who excelled in the 12-bend competition to defeat Ower Smasher, securing victory by nearly four lengths in 68.99 seconds.