A DARLINGTON firm has won a £100,000 contract to install a new state-of-the-art tote at Brough Park.

The flourishing Tyneside track has awarded the prestigious contract to Advanced Totes, which has been established by Paul Simpson, and Brough Park managing director Alan Hutton said: "I'm delighted the job has gone to a local firm."

The new tote will replace the equipment installed at the Byker stadium by Data Tote 20 years ago and will have the latest innovations. As well as the normal tote booth, betting the system will enable diners in the restaurant to place a bet table-side from hand-held remote terminals.

The new system will be installed and running by the middle of next month.

Brough Park's £2,000 William Hill Gold Cup was won by 2-1 favourite Stay For John, trained at Malton by former jockey Johnny Seagrave.

The railer overcame a tricky trap-three draw by flying from the traps into an early lead and never looked like being caught, beating 5-1 shot Hochos First by 5 lengths in 29.20 secs for the 480m, with the going 30 pops slow.

Second -favourite Bell Isle Ace hit trouble coming out of the traps and at the first bend and was never in contention.

Racing manager Terry Meynell was really impressed by May 2000 puppy Speed Delay, trained at Sheffield by Elaine Parker. The brindle dog extended his unbeaten run to four opens and Meynell said: "He was very impressive and is one to watch for the future."

* Sunderland regulars have been impressed with the form of puppy Donegal Dancer, which is rapidly moving up the grades.

Trained by George Miller, the October 2000 He Knows-Solar Vixen white and brindle bitch was knocked over in her first race at the end of February and had to re-qualify. But she won her next A5 450m in 28.67 secs and, after being promoted two grades, won again in 28.31. The next test for the quick-starting railer will be in A2 grade next week.