Newmarket trainer Mark Wallis delighted as Garfiney Blaze becomes first greyhound to defend the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch in 93 years at Central Park in Sittingbourne

Garfiney Blaze became the first greyhound to defend the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch in 93 years on Saturday night at a busy Central Park stadium in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Mark Wallis’ talented three-year-old followed up on his achievement from exactly 12 months ago when beating outsider Bright Jewel by two-and-a-half lengths in 44.75 seconds to scoop the £12,500 first prize.

It marked the first time the Cesarewitch had been successfully defended since Sidney Probert’s Future Cutlet won the competition in 1931 and 1932 at West Ham Stadium when the race was held over 600 yards.

The race was far from plain sailing for the multiple Category One champion, though.

After missing the break, 28/1 outsider Bright Jewel for Epping trainer David Lee stole a six-length advantage crossing the line for the first time. But that lead was broken down with Garfiney Blaze taking the lead only off the final bend before pulling clear.

Trainer Wallis was thrilled to land the kennel’s first Category One competition win of the year.

“It’s a brilliant achievement to go back-to-back in any competition – especially the Cesarewitch,” he said. “He had to do it the hard way.

“He missed the break and was held up a bit but once he was past Droopys Flotilla he just kept galloping on.

“He’s a very special greyhound, we’re all chuffed!”

Nathan Hunt’s Droopys Flotilla finished third while favourite Droopys Flare was fourth. Breton Molly and local hope Head Count finished fifth and sixth respectively.

Wallis completed quite the weekend by landing the £10,000 Greyhound Racing UK Blue Riband final over 500m at Towcester on Sunday.

Table Toppers led from the first bend to win in a time of 28.72, ahead of Slick Sentinel in second and Romeo Command in third.