THREE IN A ROW . . . owners, trainers and connections of Mr Loy on the finish line at Gretna celebrating winning the 470 metres ‘Noggs’ Memorial Derby Trophy
PICTURE: SCOTT NORMAN
The three-year-old Irish-bred dog also won last year’s final with the owning syndicate’s other greyhound Joint Account taking the honours in 2014.
There was delight from Mr Loy’s Carlisle and border connections most of whom are regulars at Halcrow Stadium.
And there was particular praise for the successful training team, Paul Page and Mike Pearson, who also helped sponsor and promote the ‘Noggs’ Memorial Derby.
It is dedicated to a well-known figure on the national greyhound racing circuit, the late Raymond ‘Noggs’ Noble, who raced dogs around the UK for more than 40 years but always remained a supporter of his local Gretna track.
His widow Irene Noble, daughter Karen and other members of the family were at the trophy presentation which was followed by a buffet in the stadium function room.
Paul and Mike, who were both close friends of Raymond, were delighted with the triple triumph for their long-established kennels.
“We were confident with Mr Loy’s ability but you never know until the night,” said Paul. “He came through well on the good going to win by one and half lengths.”
Meanwhile, Mike added: “He’s a special dog and a worthy winner of a competition that has special meaning to all Noggs’ friends and relatives.”
Runner-up in the final was central Scotland-based entry Plug.
Meanwhile, in the other big final of the night, the 665 metres, the winner was Bellfield, a two-year-old bitch from Brian Carson of Kilmarnock which finished a length in front of 2/1 shot Mary-Rose.
The race meeting was running 30 minutes behind schedule after a delayed start due to a serious accident which closed the M74 north of Beattock.
RESULTS and STARTING PRICES
First race (8.00) – 1, Uncle Tom, trap 3, price 6/4 fav.; 2, Macca Black, 2, 3/1; distance 2.5 lengths; winning time 17.78 seconds.
Second (8.15) – 1, Wee Penny, 1, 7/4; 2, Mighty Kelt, 5, 4/5 fav.; 4; 17.54.
Third (8.30) – 1, Tankon, 2, 6/4; 2, Katie’s Boy, 5, evens fav.; a head; 17.72.
Fourth (8.45) – 1, Boots, 2, 2/1; 2, Wiggy’s Black, 6, 3/1; 2.5; 17.70.
Fifth (9.00) – 1, Parklane, 1, 2/1; 2, Farmhouse, 5, 5/2; 3.25; 17.35.
Sixth (9.15) – 1, Macca Tiger, 6, 5/2; 2, Tic Tac, 4, 2/1; 3.25; 17.55.
Seventh (9.30) – 1, Zsa Zsa, 1, 5/4; 2, Little Willy, 3, 5/2; a neck; 17.40.
Eighth (9.45) – 1, Lewis, 4, 6/4 jt. fav.; 2, Snow, 5, 6/4 jt. fav.; 1.75; 17.22.
Ninth (9.55) – 1, Bellfield, 1, 5/2; 2, Mary-Rose, 4, 2/1; 1; 42.81.
Tenth (10.05) – 1, Mr Loy, 2, 7/2; 2, Plug, 1, 2/1; 1.5; 29.10.
Eleventh (10.15) – 1, Yazoo, 3, evens fav.; 2, Reject, 5, 5/2; 1.25; 29.53.
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