DOG RACING

WALTHAMSTOW handler Seamus Cahill was in buoyant mood yesterday after landing his first-ever Trainers Championship following a fantastic dual with Charlie Lister.

Champion Trainer Lister was the hot favourite to land the crown at Wimbledon, but Cahill's under-rated team came up trumps at Plough Lane in a thrilling contest that went right to the wire.

The Keston-based handler enjoyed a steady flow of success through out the evening with Secretariat, Lethal Freddie and Big Brett Coal racking up the points.

Secretariat poached victory in Standard after coming good at the line to see off Mako Magic in 27.78secs.

It was a much smoother victory for Lethal Freddie in the Puppy Standard, with Cahill's charge leading from the boxes to score a three-quarter length victory over Missed A Train in a blistering 27.74secs.

And the Catford Kennels enjoyed their third win of the night, when Big Brett Coal delivered a fine one-and-three-quarter length victory in the Stayers, after producing a fine time of 41.42secs.

Going into the final race that gave Cahill a four-point advantage over Lister, although he appeared to hold all the aces with favourite Ninja Freddie still in his armoury.

Cahill was left with 8-1 shot Kilkenny Lonjack at his disposal and seemingly left standing with every part of his body crossed.

In the end both trainers saw their charges up staged by John Mullins' Blonde Jeannie, although Kilkenny Lonjack shaded Ninja Jamie to grab an excellent second spot.

That proved good enough to secure six point victory for Cahill, who finished on 49 points and £10,000 in prize money in his pocket.

The delighted Stow trainer said: "It means a lot to win this competition and our staff are so important and I'd like to thank them all."

It proved a disappointing night for fellow Walthamstow handler Mark Wallis, who finished in sixth.

Back to Walthamstow and there is a fine evening of mainly open racing on offer tomorrow night(Thursday).

The pick of the action is arguably the top division of the puppy standard.

Carlsberg Flash in two and Rockburst Mason will renew rivalries after a thrilling contest last week.

The former snatched a narrow three-quarter length victory in 28.78secs last time out and has secured another good draw in one.

Barry Silkman's Flash however finished strong last time and may just start the slight favourite from trap two.

Meanwhile football fans can get their hands on the Carling Cup on Saturday.

Supporters will be given the chance to have their picture taken with one of the most coveted pieces of silverware in English football at Walthamstow.

Former Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts will also make a guest appearance from 7.30pm in the Goodwood Lounge.