Naochra timed his run to perfection to land John Flaherty and Michael Connolly a second major competition at Newcastle Greyhound Stadium in as many months on Thursday night.
The trainer-owner combination was successful in the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby in May when Sirdar scooped the £7,500 first prize after defeating kennelmate Greenwell Bolt by a neck.
But there was more cause for celebration as Naochra – a three-year-old blue dog – won the £12,500 Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat by the same margin in equally spectacular fashion.
After showing good early pace, Naochra led off the second bend before being headed by eventual runner-up Hardwick Mighty down the backstraight.
Flaherty’s star hound dropped more than a length behind Stephen Caile’s race leader. But a late burst of pace saw him win the Northern Flat’s 88th renewal in the shadows of the line.
Favourite Deliverooo finished third, with Droopys Bookem, Slingshot Shaz and Unanimous Leon filling the minor positions.
The win marked John’s first Northern Flat success, and he was naturally thrilled with the outcome.
“We’ve not had him in the kennel for too long, but he’s a great dog,” said John. “He’s thriving, and long may that continue.
“We thought he was a touch unfortunate in his heat and semifinal where he lost ground. With a clear run, we knew we stood a chance and he was always going to battle.
“I’m delighted for Michael (Connolly, owner). If we’re fit and ready, we’ll likely come back for the All England Cup in December.”
Elsewhere on the card, Ashington handler Jimmy Fenwick won the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Angel of the North with Skeard Josie.
The two-year-old flashed out of the traps but surrendered her lead to trail Tom Heilbron’s Dominoh Hoo Hoo by two lengths down the back straight. She rounded Dominoh Hoo Hoo off the final bend before holding off a late charge by Killieford Hanna to win by a short head.
Jimmy said: “I’m not often speechless, but that race did just that to me.
“She’s so determined and had to come out and lead the race to stand a chance. She did that and when she swung off the final bend, I started to get excited.
“It rounded off a great evening for the kennel.”
There were wins on the night too for the Brian Fairbairn and Craig Armstrong partnership, who fittingly won the Slingshot Sam Maiden Standard with star pup Slingshot Gazza. Kennel mate Clona Ice was also on the podium after winning the Arena Racing Company Stayers.
Other highlights included Coppice Gracie’s win in the £1,000 Arena Racing Company Bitches for owner Tony Brealey. It marked the three-year-old’s first final appearance in 16 months after she picked up an injury while leading the BGBF British Breeders’ Stakes final at Nottingham in March last year.
Blackhouse Lewi won the Arena Racing Company Puppy Final and Dorando Marathon runner-up Salacres Belleza took the Arena Racing Company Super Stayers won swooping late to beat Jacktavern Usain.
Jacktavern Chief was the winner of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Standard while 640m track record holder Ballymac Lineout excelled over the shorter distance when winning the £1,000 Arena Racing Company Standard final.
Stonepark Hoffa won the Time Greyhound Nutrition Sprint for Savva Roberts and Coolavanny Mercy rounded off the night when winning the Time Greyhound Nutrition Bitches.
Ian Walton, General Manager at Newcastle Stadium, said: “A big congratulations to all winning connections on what proved to be a great night of racing with a fantastic, family friendly, atmosphere trackside.
“Our thanks extend to Time Greyhound Nutrition for supporting this year’s Northern Flat. The race lived up to expectations and we’re already looking forward to our next major competition – the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup – which begins in December and racing through the summer holidays.”
Greyhound racing continues at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday evenings, plus Friday and Saturday afternoons, through the school holidays. Tickets are available online via www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk.
