The Arena Racing Company (ARC) Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle witnessed Sheffield's Velvet Violet emerge as the fastest in the heats. Trained by Phil Barlow, Velvet Violet showed impressive pace in her third start, leading throughout the race. Ballymac Zari, trained by Kevin Hutton, provided stiff competition, finishing just half a length behind the winner in 28.68 seconds. Daniel Alcorn's Watermill Emara secured the third spot and advanced to the semi-finals.
Romford trainer Maxine Locke achieved a brilliant double with Droopys Eunice winning in 28.71 seconds in heat four, and Droopys Display securing a surprise but deserved victory at 10-1 in heat five with a time of 28.93 seconds.
Greenwell Ovett, a debutant from John Flaherty's kennel, showcased impressive speed, winning heat six in 28.71 seconds. The first-round action also saw victories for Omuircheartaigh in heat one and Colliers Brynner in heat two.
The semi-finals, scheduled for Thursday, promise exciting matchups with the following trap draw:
First Semi-final (480m):
- Velvet Violet (Phil Barlow)
- Watermill Emara (Daniel Alcorn)
- Madabout Peck (Tom Heilbron)
- Clona Curly (m) (Diane Henry)
- Omuircheartaigh (m) (Tom Heilbron)
- Agile Ange (w) (Debbie Calvert)
Second Semi-final (480m):
- Droopys Eunice (Maxine Locke)
- Greenwell Ovett (John Flaherty)
- Ballymac Lineout (Jimmy Fenwick)
- Droopys Display (m) (Maxine Locke)
- Colliers Brynner (m) (Paul Prior)
- Ballymac Zari (m) (Kevin Hutton)
Third Semi-final (480m):
- Coppice Saphire (Jimmy Fenwick)
- Velvet Hurricane (Phil Barlow)
- Dunquin Hollie (m) (Brian Fairbairn)
- Bramble Wilson (m) (Steve Anderson)
- Tiermana Lucky (m) (David Fradgely)
- Coppice Ella (w) (Kevin Hutton)