Betfair Official Blog

County produces shock at Stow

Headford County was virtually ignored in Betfair's pre-race market prior to powering his way to a surprise success in the first semi-final heat of the Graphite (UK) Puppy Derby at Walthamstow on Tuesday night.

Smartly into his stride from trap six, Philip Simmonds' likeable individual proceeded to cut a dash throughout the 475m journey, coming home with two-and-a-half lengths to spare over Ted Soppitt's well-fancied Droopys Obafemi (T3) in a personal best 28.81sec.

Ante-post favourite Roxholme King was a major disappointment for the big-hitting backers, as he suffered his first defeat in four career starts.

Harry Keightley's youngster twice ran into bumping and could only manage fifth, nearly 11 lengths behind the impressive winner.

Seamus Cahill's outsider, July Captain, was the other qualifier for Saturday's final.

Bernie Doyle's Opening Artist was significantly slower to leave the machine than Headford County before securing the other eliminator from trap five in 28.88sec.

The progressive October 2005 whelp stormed home two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Dean Childs' unlucky-in-running Droopys Robster, after taking overall control at the second turn.

Calzaghe Joe ensured that Ted Soppitt has two representatives in the final after scraping the third qualifying slot by a head from John Mullins' Blonde Rock.