Leading Oxford owner Max Picinelli was just inches away from landing the biggest success of his career after Lyreen Mover was caught on the line in the final of the William Hill Derby at Wimbledon last Saturday.

The Italian, from Parma, was bullish about the chances of his charge before the start, telling television viewers that if Mover was in front at the first bend, that would be it.

However, he didn’t reckon on the gutsy performance of the Charlie Lister-trained Bandicoot Tipoki, who came from a seemingly hopeless position to steal the verdict by a half a length on the line.

That gave his trainer a record-equalling fifth success in the competition and a first prize of £75,000.

The Hungarian dog and his trainer Gabor Tenczel, can justifiably hold their heads high as five victories and a runners-up spot in the world’s most famous greyhound race,would have given the connections great pride.

Lyreen Mover set a scorching pace and when challenged by favourite Toomaline Jack, showed he was no mug by giving the Irish dog a shove and why he is so difficult to pass in a race.

However, that brief moment of interference may just have cost him the race.

In the event, he had to settle for second spot and, compared to the winner’s prize, received a skinny £8,000.

But, such was his success in the competition, his earlier victories took his overall tally to £9,160.

The Richard Yeates-trained Freedom Emma ruled the roost in the £1,000 bitches race.

l STAN James Pall Mall fever is certainly starting to hit home at Cowley with a record 54 hounds waiting to trial before the event gets under way on Thursday.

It looks the classiest gathering for the £8,000 prize for many a year.

Last year's winner, Drink Up Zorro, defends his crown against the likes of Scottish Derby winer Nambisco, Irish Produce Stakes winner Faypoint Dave along with local heroine Freedom Emma and Jolly Poacher, who is unbeaten at Oxford.

Entries are expected to top the 100-plus mark for the 36-runner event, which leaves the racing office with a major headache.

Diners who mention the name Stan James when booking will get a 10 per cent discount off meals as well free admission and racecard.