The final of the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby took place on Saturday night at the newly refurbished Wimbledon Stadium.

A bumper crowd was entertained by 13 top-class races, including the coveted Greyhound Derby final.

A massive entry of over 200 dogs had been whittled down over the month of May to just the 6 finalists, all with their eyes firmly focused on the £75,000 first prize and, more importantly, the accolade of Champion.

The atmosphere was buzzing in the new, more compact, grandstand at Wimbledon Stadium and the famous ‘Derby roar’ was more intense than ever as the traps sprang up and the six finalists started the 480m race.

In a race where at one point all the finalists looked in with a chance of winning, it was Bandicoot Tipoki who was first across the line, a short distance ahead of the Hungarian entry Lyreen Mover.

The favourite Toomaline Jack and Lyreen Mover had been battling it out for the first place spot but left a gap for Bandicoot Tipoki to exploit, which he did in breathtaking style, just getting up as the runners crossed the line.

Keith Hallinan, general manager of Wimbledon Stadium said: “The first Derby in our new Grandstand will be one that is remembered for years to come. How many times the lead changed hands in 480m was breathtaking.

“It was fitting to have such a great race cap a wonderful occasion. The team at the track worked very hard in a new environment and the reports we received about the quality of the night are testament to them.

“We’re now looking forward to a fantastic summer of racing”

David Hood, spokesman for sponsors William Hill said: “It was a fabulous evening of racing over all, culminating in a terrific final – a really exciting race and a great result for one of greyhound racing’s legendary trainers. The atmosphere on the track on Saturday night was electric and all credit to those at Wimbledon, they have worked very hard to get everything in place after the refurbishment.”

Another piece of history was made on the night as trainer Charlie Lister equalled Leslie Reynold’s record of training five Derby winners.

Normally a calm and collected man, Lister couldn’t hold back the emotion at winning the race as he and the owner Ray White took to the podium to lift the famous trophy.

After the success of the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby, Wimbledon now looks forward to the Williamhill.com Grand National, a hurdles race over 480m which is set to feature Derby finalist Toomaline Jack.

You can find out more about the race and even download a deal for a Fast Food Meal and Admission for a penny to come and watch the rounds at lovethedogs.co.uk