GREYHOUND RACING: Santiago breaks Blunsdon track record (From Swindon Advertiser)

GREYHOUND RACING: Santiago breaks Blunsdon track record

6:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Local

SLICK Santiago smashed the Swindon track record in the first round of The Ladbrokes Mobile Arc on Monday afternoon.

The Kris Allsop-trained dog came away from the traps fast, with Arc legend Farloe Titan setting the early pace.

But Santiago surged into the lead down the back straight and took the bends well to storm clear and post a sensational 28.21.

He beat previous track record holder Mark My Words into second.

There were other spectacular first-round performances, including a cracking run from Jazz Apollo.

The Mark Wallis-trained greyhound, who is currently favourite to win the competition, took a nudge at the first bend but rode it well to post a quick 28.36.

However, the afternoon proved a disappointment for the local runners, with only two Swindon-trained greyhounds making the next round.

Ding Hero, trained by Kevin Hutton, just managed to qualify by beating Snowdon Tommy by a short head to finish third.

Ballymac Cryan, trained by Matthew Dartnall, had a much better run in finishing second to Spinkys Nod.

The next round takes place on Friday at Swindon. Admission is free.