TOWCESTER PUPPY DERBY SETTLED FOLLOWING TALKS

Ian Fortune

After consultation with the six sets of connections, the wise decision has been made to abandon hopes of running the final of the RPGTV Puppy Derby at Towcester.

The competition has been cursed from the outset with dreadful weather, trap malfunctions and a forced hare stoppage in the decider after a couple of fallers.

After speaking with those still involved, Towcester Director of Racing James Chalkley informed the Racing Post, stating: “In the circumstances, and after discussions with the sponsor RPGTV, it has been agreed that the total final prize-money of £13,000 will be split between the six finalists.

“It’s all very unfortunate after what has been a very challenging period but it feels like the right decision.”

It certainly does feel like the right decision, although particular sympathy must go to Brendan Matthews’ son Damien, who has hopped across the Irish Sea more times than a Stena Line Ferry over the past month or so.

Their two finalists Undulation and Coordination equipped themselves well around the Northamptonshire venue and seem likely to return in the future.