THE East Anglian Derby handed over its 65th crown title to Ballymac Ace last week at Yarmouth Stadium, and provided trainer Chris Allsop with his first win in the seaside track’s most prestigous event, putting 27.89 on the clock.

Although Ballymac Ace boasts vast experience, it has not gone quite right for him on other big occasions, but he put all that behind him with his turn of foot from the lids, showing his rivals his stunning pace.

“Ballymac Ace has really come into his own here and shown high standards. This is our first East Anglian Derby entry and our biggest competition win to date,” said Allsop.

“Ballymac Ace has been in seven major final events, but here he has shown he has the minerals. Ace at home is one of the laziest dogs in the world, he hates getting off his bed, but that means he’s calm and a total pro. His owner Ted Megraw regards more as a pet at home, and has him often off the lead.

“It feels great to pull off this win and take Charlie’s crown, it has fired me up to competition against the old hands in this game, as im sure it would do the other way round and that’s what the game is all about.”

Although he was troubled from the stalls slightly he soon found his footing and kicked away on the back straight, holding on well to beat second-placed Taylors Cruise, one piece set of the Charlie Lister double act in the same race.

Race favourite Yahoo Jamie, also trained by Lister and unbeaten in all his heats, did not break well and rumbled on the first turn and from then on never got into the race at all. Rookery Pedro, trained by Mark Wallis, homed in third place.