A Ross-on-Wye family who entered four of their pet greyhounds in the Welsh Derby at the weekend, were overjoyed when all four dogs came away with a win, and their two-year-old puppy, Sophie won the biggest race of all, the Glamorgan Cup.

Roger and Shirley Brooke have seven greyhound dogs altogether, and the couple love them all dearly. Roger’s brother Andrew and his wife Christine walk the dogs for two hours each day to keep them well exercised.

The family decided to enter the dogs in the Welsh Derby as a bit of fun. Andrew told the Ross Gazette that as they are all OAPs who don’t drink or smoke, a night at the Welsh Derby in Ystrad Mynach near Caerphilly was a lot of fun for them.

Sophie, Bridie, Will and Teacher’s Pet were entered in various races during the evening. While the family were very proud of all of the dogs, Sophie stole the show, winning the most prestigious race in the competition.

Roger said that Sophie had only just turned two years of age, days before she took part in the Welsh Derby, which meant she only just classed as an adult. Sophie was much younger and had less experience than the other greyhounds in the race. Roger added that some these are classified as some of the best greyhounds in England, but she did incredibly well.

Roger and Shirley bought Sophie in November last year. Shirley told the Gazette that Sophie loves cuddles and loves to sit in the armchair with her owners. “No money could get me to sell her, not even £100,000,” she said. “I loved her from the start.”

Andrew said the secret to the success is to make sure the dogs have good food, a good place to sleep and are well cared for. “The most important thing is the welfare of the animals,” Andrew said.

“We’re a close-knit family and we’re very proud of the dogs,” he added.

Andrew added they plan to invest the prize money into goodies for the greyhounds; to make sure they’ve got warm coats for the winter, and new cosy beds to sleep in.