FARNEYS WILLIE provided Richard Wales with the perfect start as a GBGB trainer with victory in the Arc Grand Prix Final at Sunderland on Friday.

Yorkshire-based Wales only took out his trainer’s licence recently, albeit has a lifetime of experience on the independent scene. However, Farneys Willie’s entry was his first in a Category One competition and he follows the likes of Paul Burr (Roxys Bullet, Coral Essex Vase), Kevin Proctor (Front Alice, Coral Golden Sprint) and Kevin Ferguson (Acomb Felix, BGBsF British Breeders Stakes) as first-time major winners in 2024.

The £12,500 final had been reduced to a four-runner affair after the withdrawal of both Savana Jazz and Greenwell Ange but it nevertheless produced a humdinger of a contest as 8-13 favourite Savana Heross (Diane Henry) paced up into the lead early but was soon pressed by Farneys Willie who nosed ahead approaching the winning line first time and went on at the third bend, quickly racing clear and stretching his rivals out in behind.

However, Savana Heross, boasting form over further, now gathered himself up for a challenge and kept up the pressure. He closed steadily on the leader approaching the penultimate bend and all the way up the home straight, but Farneys Willie was strong enough to hold the threat and crossed the line three-quarters of a length ahead of Savana Heross  in 39.33sec (+20), the fastest time of the event.

A July 2021 son of Out Of Range ASB and Rathronan Abbey, Farneys Willie had been purchased by the Wales family from Kevin Boon and had only made his debut for new connections at Sheffield in March – and a tumble was hardly the luckiest of starts, but a subsequent win at the Owlerton Stadium set the tone moving forward.

Beaten by Savana Jazz in the Arc Grand Prix heats at Sunderland, the Wales runner reversed the form in the semi-finals before landing a popular win in the decider.

A delighted Richard Wales said afterwards it was very much a family affair and success, commenting: “It’s all down to the family and just great to have a winner. We’ve only had the licence ten weeks and this is what dreams are made of. It’s fantastic really.

“We’ve had greyhounds all my lives and Farneys Willie came to us in great condition from Kevin Boon and he just started to settle in the last three or four weeks. You’re always hopeful but as long as all the finalists come off safe and sound that’s the main thing.

“I’m sure we’ll be back for the (Arc) Grand Prix next year but I’ll be looking at the (Time Greyhound Nutrition) 3 Steps To Victory at Sheffield next for him.”

Joanne Wilson, Sunderland’s general manager, said: “It’s a fantastic story and well done to Richard (Wales) and his family. They have a lifetime in greyhound racing but this has been a brilliant start to their GBGB career as such – and Farneys Willie did them proud with some excellent performances here throughout the Arc Grand Prix.

“I’m also delighted to hear they plan to come back next year and look to defend their title. This year’s event was a great competition and really well supported.

“I have to congratulate all my team here at Sunderland for a great night, including the racing office team headed by racing manager Joe Frelford. It was very busy and a great atmosphere and some delighted connections in the supporting races and finals – especially when Jonny Whiskers won the 450m final.

“Harry Burton’s runner has huge support and Team Burton yet again came out in force with half of Wearside cheering him on. Celebrations for them went long into the night!”