ACOMB FELIX and Romeo Command, the last two winners of the competition, will go head-to-head once again in Monday’s final of the BGBF British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham.

The pair came through a clash in the semi-finals and will line-up chasing the £12,500 first prize and a notable BGBF British Breeders Stakes double – and in the case of Acomb Felix looking to become the first greyhound to retain the trophy.

Romeo Command, on the other hand, will be looking to regain the trophy and Patrick Janssens is hoping final night brings out the best in the now dual British Bred Greyhound of the Year after he picked up the award in York last week.

Crowned the SIS-sponsored British Bred Greyhound of the Year for a second year running, Romeo Command will line up as the oldest runner in the 500m British-bred showpiece as a January 21 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Drive On Betsy.

“He’s been a brilliant dog for us and Dave and Nicola (Firmager, owners and breeders),” he said. “He’s got to be one of the best British-breds ever – just look at his record.

“He’s won 41 of 63 races now and, remember, he won the (Premier Greyhound Racing) Eclipse only a few months back.

“He was beaten fairly and squarely by Acomb Felix in the semis but ran better than in the heats and he’s building up nicely to the final. It’s a field of railers and he’s got trap one which is good for him and good for our Romeo Empire next door to him.

“Empire’s a very fast dog – he’s got real pace. He got clipped from behind heading into the first bend so that’s why he ran off – the time was pretty decent in the circumstances. We just want him to come away and dominate the inside – then we’ll see where we’re at. It’s a good final and we’re looking forward to it.”

Acomb Felix will one up as the fastest semi-final winner after racking up a superb nine-timer in the second semi-final on Monday, meaning the Kevin Ferguson-owned, bred and trained has an opportunity to successfully defend his title.

Quickly at the head of affairs, the March 2021 son of Hiya Butt and Acomb Ruby was taken on early by litter brother Acomb Johnny, last year’s third, but stretched on to dominate that rival and then be followed home by favourite Romeo Command, who crossed the line two and three-quarter lengths adrift of the 29.46sec (+40) winner. 

Local hope Wolf Gold (Jill Llewellin) finished third here to make the final. 

The first semi saw the Patrick Janssens-trained 1-3 favourite Romeo Empire escape off the second bend for a clear-cut and impressive success, winning by just over ten lengths from Diane Henry’s duo of Savana Merapi and Romeo Control.

The winning time was 29.55sec (+40).

Trap draw for the BGBF British Breeders Stakes Final: 1 Romeo Command, 2 Romeo Empire, 3 Wolf Gold, 4 Savana Merapi, 5 Romeo Control, 6 Acomb Felix.