Bert bolts up in Henlow Puppy Derby decider

Coolavanny Bert: Another awesome display in Henlow Puppy Derby 

  PICTURE: STEVE NASH  

COOLAVANNY BERT beat freezing conditions as well as his five rivals to complete an unbeaten run through the Primus Telecom Puppy Derby as he landed Henlow’s £10,000 Category One in tremendous style.

Trained by Kelly Findlay for John Gardner, the 1-3 favourite broke reasonably well from trap one and was quickly in control, going clear from the second bend to beat a game Droopys Stevie by five lengths in 27.93sec for the 460m course.

“He is very exciting,” said Findlay afterwards, “we all know trap one made the job easier but he’s still got to come out. Hopefully he’ll get an invitation to the [Racing Post] Juvenile now.

“He could be anything because I do think there’s a bit more improvement to come. He’s a big-boned dog and, although he’s 35kg, he doesn’t look that big.”

Owner Gardner said: “He’s got a lot of early boot and I do think he looks a proper Wimbledon dog. It’s fantastic to own him and I feel very grateful that Mr Browne [breeder Noel] gave me the opportunity to buy him.”

The final was brought forward by 90 minutes from its scheduled off-time due to a forecast which called for temperatures of -10C later in the evening with the thermometer reading -6C when the big race was actually run.

However, although an earlier 692m open had to be scrapped due to frozen starting traps, the running surface handled the conditions extremely well with track vet Raymond Gee constantly inspecting it.

Gee said after the final: “It’s a case of making sure that the greyhounds can get a good purchase and, having checked, I’m very happy to continue racing.

“It is difficult for a track when we get down to -8C or -10C even with added salt, but there are several knowledgeable and experienced trainers here who would certainly not be backward in expressing any concerns about the surface.”