Maxine Locke broke the 1,000 point mark to strengthen her position at the top of the Trainer of the Year standings on Saturday after another big race success with Annadown Warrior.
The Puppy Classic champion doubled his Category One honours list when winning the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby at a packed Central Park Stadium.
More than 900 racegoers filled the Church Road venue to watch what enthusiasts dubbed as the race of the year with finalists boasting a remarkable 12 Category One final appearances between them before the off.
A flashy start by Kent Plate champion Scooby The Lady earned Richard Rees’ kennel star prime position entering the first bend. But he was carried wide by six-times Category One winner Proper Heiress – opening the door for Annadown Warrior to lead around the second bend.
Despite a late challenge by Scooby Mustang, Annadown Warrior held on to confirm Maxine’s sixth major competition triumph of the year.
Dean Goldfinch of the JR Racing Syndicate – owners of Annadown Warrior – was over the moon with the outcome.
“He’s been a superstar for us and has come from an outstanding litter – I’m speechless really,” said Dean.
“I couldn’t be there for the Puppy Classic in August, so to be trackside on Saturday with the rest of the syndicate was fantastic.
“No other race this year has been as competitive as that.
“Every greyhound in the race could’ve won. When we came off the first bend in front I knew he wasn’t going to be picked up – he’s a beast.
“Scooby Mustang gave us a bit of a fright towards the end, but our boy just kept pulling.
“It’s brilliant for Maxine, I couldn’t be more pleased for her. We’ve had a great season, to be top of the (Trainer of the Year) table is fantastic and hopefully we can stay there.
“I suspect he’ll have a couple of weeks rest then we’ll look forward to the Eclipse at Nottingham next month.”
Annadown Warrior’s win capped a memorable night for the Wickford kennel, which announced its racing operation would relocate to Central Park in February.
Also on the podium were Highview Levi and Newinn Aero who won the PGR Puppy Trophy and Novice Stayers Trophy respectively. Meanwhile Headford Lily raised the roof when running out a convincing winner of the Jenningsbet Bitches Trophy final.
Other local winners on the night included George Andreas’ Kitmins Kate who won Division One of the PGR Maiden Trophy.
Greyhound racing continues at Central Park Stadium on Saturday nights for the remainder of 2026, with the track launching its Christmas celebrations from Saturday, November 21.
Category One racing returns in the new year with the 88th running of the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch. Dates are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
