WE continue the countdown to greyhound racing’s night of the year – the GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, on Sunday – by looking at those stars of the track who have made the list of nominations for the various award categories.

We continue with the Racing Post Greyhound TV Stayer of the Year 2018 – Bombers Bullet, Calico Ranger and Roxholme Poppy – and talk to the trainers of each of the runners about how the year panned out for their charges, and their chances of taking the award.

Last year’s Stayer of the Year was Rubys Rascal for trainer Mark Wallis and owner John Clarke.

BOMBERS BULLET

bk d Droopys Cain – Headford Hoe, April 2015

Trainer: Mark Wallis, Henlow

Owners: The Bruiser Boyz

Claims to fame: Started in the year by running-up in the Maiden Derby at Henlow before stepping up in trip at the same venue to run third in the Maiden Gold Cup (550m) there. After crowded out in the semi-finals of the RPGTV Scottish Derby and making the Star Sports Derby Final at Towcester, Bombers Bullet stepped up in trip to win the William Hill Grand Prix and then the Coral Champion Stakes at Romford, in between running-up in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore.

Trainer says: “Looking back he had a fantastic year, although it certainly didn’t end as we wanted. He was injured at Shelbourne in preparation for the Night of Stars and has now been retired – and homed. However, he gave us some great memories. The Derby final aside, which was a brilliant experience for the kennel and the lads who own him and Bruisers Bullet, his form over six bends was just top class. The wins at Sunderland and Romford were against top-class opposition, and it was the same at Monmore – and he went close there. He had loads of speed and loads of stamina, the perfect stayer.”

CALICO RANGER

bk d Holdem Spy – Wont Fall Behind, Aug 2016

Trainer: Carol Weatherall, Henlow

Owners: Keith Hardiman & Darren Holmes

Claims to fame: Winner of the St Leger at Perry Barr, thus making him a Classic champion, Calico Ranger made the transition from four bends to six in the best possible style. Prior to success at the Birmingham track, he reached the final of the SIS Yorkshire St Leger at Doncaster behind Roxholme Poppy – another nominee in this star-studded category.

Trainer says: “To win the St Leger was something special for this kennel. We won the Scottish Derby with Holdem Spy (Calico Ranger’s dam), but this was a greater achievement in so many ways. Darren (Holmes, partner) made the point that the St Leger was first run in 1993 and our name is on it now. That feels good, and for Keith (Hardiman, part-owner) it was also special. He’s been with us for a long time and the dam was his. The litter was home-bred, so that’s also great. They’ve done us proud – hopefully we’ll be back with Ranger at Perry Barr later in the year to defend the title!”

ROXHOLME POPPY

bk b Aero Majestic – Pookies Sophie, Mar 2016

Trainer: Hayley Keightley, Doncaster

Owners: Martin Green, Hayley Keightley, Duncan Lambie & Emily Mackey

Claims to fame: Winner of the SIS Yorkshire St Leger at Doncaster in which she led home the much-nominated Slippy Maggie, Roxholme Poppy had earlier reached the final of high-class Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore won by Ela Juliet and including Bombers Bullet, also nominated here. Third to old rival Slippy Maggie in the Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger at Crayford, it is hoped she can return to the Kent venue for the upcoming Ladbrokes Golden Jacket back at the Kent venue after a spell off injured.

Trainer says: “She’s 27 kilos of pure class and we’re just hopeful she can get back to her best this year after some setbacks. The final she won at Doncaster was top-drawer. She beat a few of the runners who’d beaten her in finals earlier in the year and had to be at her best to see off Keplar Nine, who was the defending champion. They had a great battle. Unfortunately the year didn’t end well for her, first at Newcastle and then Shelbourne in a Night of Star races. The niggle she picked up has flared up again, which means she misses Crayford, but hopefully she’ll will be back in the spring.”

The winners will be presented with their awards at the GBGB Awards 2018 which will be held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Sunday.

http://www.gbgb.org.uk/news/2/2019/1/1086/Ticket-Information–GBGB-Greyhound-of-the-Year-Awards–Sunday-27th-January-2019