THE magnificent Jolly Poacher has been retired after landing an historic treble by winning the Blanchfords-sponsored Oxfordshire Gold Cup in great style.

A favourite son of the Oxford greyhound punters, Poacher signed off a fantastic career, especially at Sandy Lane, on Saturday night.

Poacher normally gets the red jacket here at Oxford, but after the final draw he found himself in the dreaded ‘coffin box’ trap four.

However, he wasn’t ready for the chop! The brindle shot out of the traps and within seconds had occupied his favourite rails slot and that was that.

Poacher powered home and received a great ovation as he roared up the home straight nearly four lengths clear of favourite Zodiac Zeus.

With Angie Kibble’s Spencers Lad third and Colton’s other runner Rebel Ace in fourth, it gave Oxford three out of the first four.

For soon after the winning line, joint-owner Shane Lee announced: “That’s it now, he is retired.

“What a performance for a near five-year-old. I have some useful bitches in Ireland and Poacher will be on stud duties from now on.”

Originally named the King of Anfield, when he began his career at Oxford, Shane had to change the name as he is a Manchester United supporter!

The retirement came as a surprise to trainer Nick Colton, who had already sounded him out for a Laurels trial.

Poacher’s biggest win came in the £7,000 Arc at Swindon, but he will best be remembered for his Oxford exploits after landing all three major opens in 2009 when trained by Richard Yeates.

Poacher ran 16 races at Cowley, winning 12 of them. In all, the son of Droopys Cahill/Miss Regina ran in 56 races, winning 23 and runner-up nine times.

Racing manager Gary Baiden said “We will have to name a race after him after this, what an achievement.

“I felt it was a great night’s racing and Poacher’s victory was celebrated by all and sundry.”

On the all trophy card, trainer Richard Baker made hay with four winners, All Haka, Jewel Magic, Ballymac Gold and Selecta Mask.

  • BALLYMAC Gold, trained by Richard Baker won the first of the GBRB sponsored Kennel Sweepstakes worth £500 to the winner on Thursday night. All other finalists received £100.