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Barnfield and Spiridon light up a cracking Racing Post Festival

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Jonathan Hobbs looks back at some high-class racing from Walthamstow this week...

Terrible weather, but what a sensational night's racing. Racing Post Festival Grand Finals' night at Wallthamstow on Tuesday had it all, topped off by two extra-special performances from Greyhound of the Year contenders Spiridon Louis and Barnfield On Air.

Their relative merits for the GOY award have split the sport, but what cannot be questioned is was how good they both were. They have each had a long year, but you wouldn't have guessed it and only the wet conditions prevented both setting electric times.

Given that Noirs Ted is a 28.40sec or 28.50sec dog at the Stow given a decent break, which he got on the night, the mind boggles as to what Barnfield On Air could have achieved on even normal going. That record of his might well have gone again.

Likewise, Spiridon Louis was awesome in winning the marathon. Much has been made of the fact that Shine Fantasy finished fast, but the Hove bitch has plenty of ability herself, but does tend to switch on and off. It was a good win, make no mistake.

So, too, were the successes of the likes of Toosey Blue in the British Bred final (non Sky race) and Lenson Joker. The pair produced two cracking winning times, two faultless performances and in terms of the latter, compensation for a great run in the St Leger final.

As for future winners, well all the above will more than continue to pay their way, as will Droopys Totti. The puppy stayers winner now looks the real deal over a trip and his return to six bends should be eagerly awaited, his middle dash was superb.

Kildare Lark is probably the country's leading hurdler now. Jason Foster, taking all the experience bestowed on him by father Tommy, who had a special talent with hurdlers, is having a great run with the timber-toppers and Sky events are his for the taking now!

Mustang Garcia showed huge pace in finishing a gallant second to Westmead Tina and is another likely prolific-scorer for Sam Poots and his team. He blasted to the bend and is lightly raced and open to still more improvement as a young dog.

Westmead Prince was beaten by superior trapping on the night by Legal Major but will have his day again soon, as will Barnfield Woody. He ran a cracker behind Baran Pedro, indeed this year's maiden event at the Festival proved top quality.

Barnfield On Air quite rightly takes the plaudits for his invitation triumph, but Rio Quando did his growing reputation no harm when staying on into third. He had got to within half a length of the track record at Wimbledon, but this run in defeat was arguably as impressive.

A high-profile night with high-profile runners, and some cracking efforts to take into 2008, not least from 2007's two leading stars. For Barnfied On Air, however, it's now a winter's rest and a few bitches, while for Spiridon Louis the bandwagon moves on to Romford.

See you there.