CRAFTY SHIVOO stamped her authority on the competition with a brilliant display in heat three of the Coral Brighton Belle at Hove on Saturday – on what proved a mixed night for champion trainer Mark Wallis.

His Fabulous Sonique was in front and seemingly on her way to winning heat one only for the hare to be stopped in the interests of safety after a breakdown with the swing-on, swing-off traps mechanism which meant they could not be removed from the track. The race was declared void, after which lots were drawn for places in the semi-finals.

Montana Angel, Queen Joni and Selsey Bullet were drawn out of the hat to take their place in Saturday’s semis, meaning Fabulous Sonique missed out, albeit now stands by as a reserve should there be any non-runners.

Out of luck then with Fabulous Sonique, trainer Wallis was nevertheless delighted with the subsequent effort of Crafty Shivoo as last year’s Irish Oaks and Empress Stakes winner produced a flawless trap-to-line success.

Quickly away on her way to a slick 4.22sec sectional, the MWD Partnership-owned runner was never in danger as she crossed the line five lengths in front of Havana Bale Out (Liz McNair), who kept on well in second. The winning time was 29.80sec (-20).

Paul Young notched a double in heats five and six respectively as Droopys Auntie made all in 30.60sec (-20) before Bubbly Bombay forced her way to the front at the first bend before edging out Queen Shakira by a short head in 30.64sec (-20).

Reigning champion Betsys Bullet was a game winner of heat four as Belinda Green’s bitch began her bid to become the first back-to-back winner in the famous event’s history.

Fast to stride, Betsys Bullet always led but had to withstand the challenge of Droopys Eunice (Maxine Locke) past halfway before scoring by half a length in 30.53sec (-20).

The remaining heat two went the way of Nathan Hunt’s Allowdale Cazoo who reeled in early leader Southfield Daisy (Kevin Hutton) before holding the challenge of Minnie Bullet (Mark Wallis) to win by three-quarters of a length in 30.57sec (-20).

Hove racing manager Rob Abrey said: “First off, my apologies to those greyhounds who missed out on a semi-final place due to the void race. It was almost a freakish situation with a hydraulics situation which meant the traps couldn’t fully be removed from the track. We had no alternative but to stop the hare.

“I would like to say thank-you to trainer Jason Heath for withdrawing Burrows Ruby who wasn’t going to qualify initially, which meant just five names went into the hat for the re-draw, albeit Fabulous Sonique, who looked set to definitely qualify and might well have won the race, did miss out. I once again apologise to connections.

“In terms of those heats which were run, I suppose it’s ironic given what later happened to Fabulous Sonique in the draw that Mark’s (Wallis) Crafty Shivoo was so impressive. She really has set the standard and is a worthy favourite at this stage to land the title.

“However, as we know, greyhound racing is not straightforward at times and connections of the other 17 runners will feel they have a chance – and it’s great to have last year’s winner Betsys Bullet in amongst them. No bitch has ever defended the title, although (2022 champion) Whats Up Eva had a good go last year, finishing third.”

Trap draw for Saturday’s semi-finals:

First semi: 1 Southfield Daisy, 2 Minnie Bullet, 3 Queen Shakira, 4 Couldbeastar, 5 Allowdale Cazoo (m), 6 Coppice Ella (w).

Second semi: 1 Betsys Bullet, 2 Montana Angel, 3 Crafty Shivoo, 4 Bubbly Bombay, 5 Rapido Lady (m), 6 Queen Dusty (w).

Third semi: 1 Queen Joni, 2 Droopys Eunice, 3 Queen Georgia, 4 Selsey Bullet, 5 Havana Bale Out (m), 6 Droopys Auntie (w).