Droopys Clue produced one of greyhound racing’s all-time great performances to become the first dog to retain the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger at Perry Barr on Saturday.
The 2023 Greyhound Board of Great Britain Greyhound of the Year scooped the £20,000 first prize in extraordinary style after he surrendered an early lead and trailed eventual runner-up Clona Curly with two bends to run.
However, a remarkable late rally secured Seamus Cahill’s star dog a second St Leger title and a place in the record books as the only greyhound to successfully defend the competition in its 96-year history.
Cluedo – as he is affectionately known in the greyhound racing community – has now won five Category One competitions including two St Legers, the Juvenile Classic, George Curtis Ballyregan Bob Memorial and last month’s Summer Stayers Classic.
Owner Alex Hambi described his three-year-old black and white dog as a greyhound of a lifetime and was blown away by his performance.
“He broke really well, and we thought that was it,” said Alex. “But Clona Curly went past him, and it was hard to see how he’d make the ground up again.
“We were waiting for the line and when he flashed past in front it was some feeling.
“He has shown so much determination to come back on the inside and is such a courageous dog. He’s just a winner, a true winner!”
The St Leger has previously been won by some of the sport’s most recognisable names, including Magourna Reject in 1953 and Wembley 100 inductee Mick The Miller in 1931.
Cluedo stopped the clock at 42.97 seconds, with Diane Henry’s Clona Curly in second and Mark Wallis’ Coonough Crow third. Trickycinderella, local hope Hurry Up Jordan and Tuono Bella finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Alex added: “It’s a bit of a pinch yourself moment. He has achieved what no greyhound has done before.
“To win the St Leger twice is amazing, especially the way he did it. We would’ve loved to have won the race by six lengths like last year, but we’ll take it!
“He came straight to the St Leger from the Summer Classic, so he deserves a good rest now. We’ll give him a few weeks off and take it from there.”
Category One greyhound racing returns to Perry Barr Stadium on Saturday, October 5, with Round One of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks. Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings can be made by clicking here.
Doors open at 6pm with the first of 12 races off at 7.01pm.
