West Cumbrian speedway ace Dan Bewley had a promising season halted by a broken leg in a horror crash in Denmark.
But his namesake proved a big winner on Saturday for hound trailing enthusiast and speedway fan Tony Irving.
He came from fourth place on the uphill finish to win the big race at Kelton Fell for the biggest win of his trainers’ long career in the sport.
“He might have been a bit lucky in the end but it was great to get the win,” he said.
Ity was a natural sport to follow as his father Jeff had been a long-time owner/trainer, and official of the sport in the old HTA days.
“He had a few wins over the years but nothing as big as the Dog Produce so we are all really delighted,” said Tony.
The family kennel at Seaton, he runs with his wife Marlene with the help of grandsons Connor and Carter, as well as his pal Gary Woodend, and they proved to be hugely popular winners of the prestigious race.
Yorkshire bred out of Sarah and Tom Bell’s bitch Adele by Caroline Clough and the late Barry Laidler’s Best Mate, Tony was always pleased with how the youngster developed and he had won two puppy races before Saturday.
“I’m a big speedway fan so I think everyone knew who the dog was named after. I just feel so sorry for Dan who suffered the injury when he had started the season so well,” says Tony.
You can hear Tony’s thoughts on the win in conversation with John Walsh below:
