POPPY BLOOMS IN SUNDERLAND

Ian Fortune

In what was her final start for Pat Buckley, Slingshot Poppy absolutely ran away with the final of the Arena Racing Company Puppy Trophy at Sunderland on Friday evening. The Category 2 competition was worth £7,500 to the winner and from the outset there was no doubt where the cheque was going.

As she had been through the April Unraced at Enniscorthy and the Carrick Aldo @ Stud Produce Stakes, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Glengar Global was ultra-professional at boxes and was soon in command.

Holding the likes of Sunnyside Jaydon and Jacktavern Chief on the long run-up with relative comfort, she increased her advantage around the opening bends to put the result beyond any doubt by halfway. As those in pursuit clashed, she galloped on in splendid isolation to eventually win by a almost seven lengths in a brilliant 26.73.

She will now join Brian Fairbairn, a trainer local to Newcastle and Sunderland to continue her racing career.