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Garfiney Blaze Goes Back To Back In Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch

Racing
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27 January 2025

Garfiney Blaze became the first greyhound to defend the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch in 93 years on Saturday night at a busy Central Park Stadium.

Mark Wallis’ talented three-year-old followed up on his achievement from exactly 12 months ago when beating outsider Bright Jewel by two-and-a-half lengths in 44.75 seconds to scoop the £12,500 first prize.

It marked the first time the Cesarewitch had been successfully defended since Sidney Probert’s Future Cutlet won the competition in 1931 and 1932 at West Ham Stadium when the race was held over 600 yards.

The race was far from plain sailing for the multiple Category One champion, though.

After missing the break, 28/1 outsider Bright Jewel for Epping trainer David Lee stole a six length advantage crossing the line for the first time. But that lead was broken down with Garfiney Blaze taking the lead only off the final bend before pulling clear.

Trainer Mark was thrilled to land the kennel’s first Category One competition win of the year.

“It’s a brilliant achievement to go back-to-back in any competition – especially the Cesarewitch,” said Mark. “He had to do it the hard way.

“He missed the break and was held up a bit but once he was past Droopys Flotilla he just kept galloping on.

“He’s a very special greyhound, we’re all chuffed!”

Nathan Hunt’s Droopys Flotilla finished third while favourite Droopys Flare was fourth. Breton Molly and local hope Head Count finished fifth and sixth respectively.

Elsewhere on the night, local trainer Daniel Brabon scooped the Arena Racing Company Sprint Trophy worth £1,000 with 7/1 chance King Presley. The night’s other big finals went the way of Yahoo Maizy, who won the Arena Racing Company Bitches Trophy Final, and Antigua Kestrel who won the Arena Racing Company Standard Trophy Final.

The other local winner on the night was Rossa Annie for Barry O’Sullivan.

Greyhound racing continues at Central Park Stadium on Saturday nights through the year with the first of 12 races each weekend scheduled off at 6.37pm. Tickets are available from just £8 and can be purchased online or on the door.

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