Cluxtons Free delivers Monmore Puppy Derby title

Well today was an amazing day. Simply unbelievable ! Those who are involved in our great sport understand the long hours, the miles driving round the country, the terrible injuries we have to treat throughout each year but today was one of those days when its all worth while.

Cluxtons Free delivered a kennel 1-2 in the £12,000 Ladbrokes Monmore Puppy Derby, a race we have been trying to win since I started training. I feel its just reward for winning owner Paul Scott who sadly lost Rooneys Lad last year who looked to be a serious greyhound in the making. Paul did actually win the Puppy Derby with Newinn Rocket with Pat Rosney before selling all his dogs after a run of bad injuries. Paul had ten months out of the game before Paul's son Nick bought Lady Sadie when followed him buying Cluxtons Free.

Cluxtons Free lead from the moment the traps rose and after an early battle with Remember Scotie. After Scotie had run his race kennel mate Stategic Choice stepped forward to lay down a challenge to Cluxtons Free. As they turned for home our pair stayed on superbly but it was Claxtons who raised the roof to win by 1/2 length in 28.53. 

Steve Nash was at track side and will send me photos as soon as possible for the blog. 

I've tried to win the Puppy Derby for six years. We went close with Burnpark Champ and runner up with Express Shuttle. It the third time we had made the final so it was unreal to get the 1-2 !

The stunning fawn Express Flame made it one of the best afternoons ever for us when she took Ladbrokes Spring Festival Bitches Final worth £1,000. Showing some great early pace she was never headed in the 480 metres contest to win by 2 1/2 lengths in 28.48. 

I would like to say a big well done to all the staff after such a great day.