GREYHOUND RACING: E.A. Derby Archive -  55th Derby

Won By

Blue Merlin, trained in Attleborough by Gary Harding, won the 50th East Anglian Derby, Gary was attached to Yarmouth but Blue Merlin was a competition greyhound, featuring in events all over the country, however Hanover Peer is a regular top grade runner at Yarmouth, it will be an interesting test for the grader next time Hanover Peer is entered for racing at Yarmouth. In the mean time no doubt Ray’s phone will ring, with offers to run Hanover Peer in further competitions around the country.

Watch the Grand Final HERE >

RACE REPORT
Despite starting 16/1 outsider, 20/1was taken during the betting, Hanover Peer proved the old adage that you can’t ask more of a top flight greyhound than he reaches a major final, after that it’s all about performance on the occasion. Under Ray Pleasants experienced training Hanover Peer soon led, once in front, although the winning distance was only three lengths, Hanover Peer totally dominated the race, despite the obvious class of the opposition. The uncertainty about his inconsistent starts left, Charlie Lister trained, El Ronan favorite but not the usual odds on. Once again El Ronan did miss his break and came through to fourth place, just ahead of the other local runner Hartwood Jaguar and last years runner up, Droopys Ramon. John Mullins, in his first year in charge of the families Manningtree kennels, took the £2,500 second place prize with Blue Gooner. Peterborough’s Samba Man, trained by Francis Lenton, finished third, winning £1,500.