Jake Devitt's first runner is a winner at Star Pelaw

Gray notes a Jake Devitt winner with his first runner 

Star Pelaw racing manager Dave Gray was just grateful the weather improved, paving the way for another busy weekend at the north east venue.

Thursday’s card at the Chester-le-Street venue was abandoned without a race being run, with the card transferred in part to this week’s midweek fixture.

“Thursday really was a washout,” said Gray, “with incessant rain causing havoc with the hare mechanism. We really had no option but to cancel.

“Thankfully we were able to race on Saturday with a full open-race card with double honours going to Ted Soppitt with his Sunnyside Ted and Sunnyside Cairo both winning.

“Ted has a love affair with the track and his course and distance record now reads four wins from five - he won the top division of the Valentines Day Sprint in 14.49 (-10) and was later joined in the winner’s enclosure by Cairo in division two.

“He actually fluffed his lines at the start but showed tremendous early pace to take up the running at the first bend and score in 14.63 (-10).

“Sunday’s card was more low key, but not for Jake Devitt who scored with his first runner as a trainer.

“Jake has only had his licence for a couple of weeks and has just two greyhounds in his care at his Middlesbrough base. Fagans Peggy led from halfway recording 26.16 (+10) when winning the second race on the card, an A4.

“For punters on the night he was a rare favourite to win - actually joint-favourite. Sunday was definitely one for the bookies as punters definitely caught a cold in the chilly north east weather.

“Half of the eight races on the card featured an odds-on favourite - with none obliging!”