FIRE LEAVES RIVALS ICE COLD IN ECLIPSE DECIDER

Ian Fortune

Ice On Fire completed a procession through the Carling Eclipse at Nottingham on Monday night, effectively ending a non-existing debate on the fastest greyhound in the UK.

In fact, such has been his rise up the ranks in recent months, Ice On Fire stands head and shoulders above his peers at this moment in time.

In truth, Monday’s contest was over before it started. Ice On Fire was drawn in the “bingo box” of three against a field of greyhounds that, while talented, were never going to land a glove on him to the opening turn.

If anything, a 4-9 starting price looked on the generous side. A single stride into the contest it was evident Ice On Fire was going to romp home. Rocketing from trap three, the Jimmy Fenwick trained son of Crash built a massive lead into the bend and remained clear throughout.

King Sheeran came home well to take second on the line, but Ice On Fire was in a league of his own and the UK’s best emerged a nine length winner in an extremely fast 29.25. It was confirmed after the race that Ice On Fire will be next seen in the Laurels at Newcastle, while he is now a clear favourite for English Derby glory next May.