All Sports

Once again Louis shows he's the king...
The Racing Post's Jonathan Hobbs on the star performers of St Leger night
What a night, and what a winner!
Well done to Spiridon Louis and Lorraine Sams for their St Leger success at Wimbledon on Tuesday, and for two reasons in particular. A quite brilliant performance on the night, and an outstanding training performance to bounce back from a semi-final defeat to produce the goods in the final.
Also, don't underestimate the original decision to go for the Leger. It surprised a great many, but owner Gail May (pictured with Spiridon) wanted to enter a dog in the stayers' Classic. It had always been a dream and owning a dog they call 'the monster' gave her the perfect opportunity, but he had to come down in trip for it.
Ulltimately, that proved no obstacle, but it was still a great piece of race-planning, or race-placing. Hats off to the runner-up Lenson Joker and also Directors Chair. Both will be back in the winner's enclosure soon, they ran great races to help make it a memorable final for the TV cameras, and those at Wimbledon.
As for others for the notebook, let's look at the other TV races.
Rio Quando looks another likely type for Danny Riordan. When you think how close Danny came to Classic glory with the likes of Rio Riccardo and Droopys Corleone - a little more luck and they could have won Derbys - it was no surprise to see him backed on the night, but that performance oozed quality. And the time? Awesome.
Westmead Tina ran with credit in behind, but Barnfield Haveit also deserves respect. He went to the bend with the winner, and in what was undoubtedly an above-average puppy race, he, too, will find easier opportunities - and mop them up!
Broadway Sizzler had his trainer Sean White wondering whether he should stick to Wimbledon for a campaign leading to the Oaks, or also try and take in the Brighton Belle at Hove before. She is a bitch who runs well fresh, and that will be Sean's toughest task, but there will not be many who'll lead her.
Nevada Blue showed huge pace in the hurdles race, behind a winner, Generous Man, who took his chance well. But retain faith in Hollylake Boy, who led after missing the kick and was giving away 'lumps of weight', in terms of experience, to the winner. Nevada Blue boasts huge pace but will make always things difficult for himself, and punters.
Don't let Ballymac Weeshie be the forgotten dog of the St Leger. I thought he ran superbly in defeat behind Foulden Special, who had the race on a plate from the traps, while Bubbly Legend was an eye-catcher behind the pair who produced the buckle of the night, Milldean Buster and Pagoda Tarbert.
Less said about the marathon the better (!), while Noirs Ted looked every inch a Racing Post Festival winner as he put the younger Pea Ball in his place.
But the latter remains a great prospect, and is still a force. Island View, while looking a shade lost at Wimbledon, still showed enough sparkle to encourage connections for the future.
Then it was on to the St Leger, the brilliant railing manoevre of Spiridon Louis off the last bend and stayers' Classic glory. And more pictures of the TV Trophy, Regency, Select Stakes and Dorando winner in the Racing Post greyhound section. Fully deserved they have been, too, and it's next stop the Festival for Lorraine Sams' champion.
Benefits and offers
£10 FREE BET
How to claim your free £10 bet:
1. Open your account (3 mins)
2. Deposit and stake up to £10
3. If you lose your 1st placed bet, you get that stake back within 24 hours (up to £10)

£50 CASINO BONUS
100% deposit bonus up to £50 for all new casino players. Just join and play to claim.






