SMUDGE WINS INAUGURAL
TERRIER DERBY in 2003
The Omni Terrier Derby, run on the actual Derby course as part
of the annual Epsom Trainers Open Day, was a great success with
over 40 barking lunatic terriers competing for the coveted prize.
Having powered his way through heats, quarter and semi-finals,
Smudge simply blitzed the field.
By the time of the final, bookmaker Des Gleason, faced with
hefty liabilities from the growing band of Smudge supporters,
cried enough and packed up his “joint” in disgust.
Between mutterings of “it’s supposed to
be for charity” he had the temerity to suggest
that the event was fixed.
I ask you, how could anybody possibly fix a terrier race?
2004: CANINE RED RUM
2003 winner, Smudge, again blasted his way through the heats,
semi-final and final to land the prize for the second year
running and stake his claim as the canine Red Rum.
Smudge leaps to victory
2005: FIERCE CREATURES
Articles over the preceding weeks in local newspapers together
with plugs on Channel 4 Racing, helped draw a bumper turnout,
both human and canine.
Victory in the final went to Puzzle, a 10 year old Jack Russell
who beat the likes of Pebble, Spotty, and Cracker to claim
the trophy and a giant bag of dog food donated
by Pet Pals of Tattenham Corner.
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2006: OLD ADVERSARIES
The 2006 running again attracted a record entry with dozens
of barking mad terriers vying for the prize.
Hot favourite Smudge was surprisingly beaten into third place
in the final by old adversary Spotty, who fought off the late
challenge of Masie to grab the spoils – a bumper bundle
of treats supplied by Pet Pals
of Tattenham Corner.
2007: MOUNTING
PASSION
All four finalists were smartly out of the traps but none
faster than Spotty who held off the late challenge of relative
novice Milou to win the prize for the second year with Smudge
back in third and Pebble a gallant fourth.
Many observers felt that the very speedy Milou may well have
won had he not been more interested in mounting Spotty.
Helen, Spotty & Pat
A further highlight was provided by the delightful Helen
Chamberlain, presenter of cult Sky TV show Soccer AM,
who graciously agreed to present the coveted trophy to Spotty
and runner up prizes to the other three finalists.
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2008:
WORKING JACKS
The 6th Omni Terrier Derby had over 50 barking mad terriers
battling through heats, quarter and semi finals to the grand
final won by Poppy from Sage and Patch. Poppy and Patch are
both working Jack Russells owned by Peter Hyde, who received
the trophy from SoccerAM’s Helen Chamberlain.
The Omni Terrier Derby was an hilarious spectacle that had
the crowd in stitches and is sure to be a popular feature
of the Epsom Trainers Open Day for years to come.
2009: SAGE
RULES
As one might expect, with so many entrants, it was a recipe
for chaos with the historic racecourse awash with barking
mad terriers and their owners.
Despite a few hiccups, after countless heats, quarter finals
and semi-finals the grand final was won by Sage (runner up
last year) from Minty with Milou third and 2008 winner Poppy
in fourth place.
2010: OLLIE
TRIUMPHS
Competition was fierce with over 60 barking
mad terriers running in 16 heats, quarter and semi finals.
The grand final was won by Ollie, owned by the understandably
proud and delighted Kevin and Emma Llewellyn, with Sage a
gallant second with the other finalists, Poppy and Dice, in
close attendance.
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