GEELO MONTY, trained locally by Carl Perry for Nic Brereton’s Geelo Racing, headed off into retirement after completing a notable British-bred double in the BGBF British Bred Derby Final at Sheffield on Tuesday.

Winner last year of the BGBF Puppy Cup over C&D, Geelo Monty finished best to deny Viking Jerry (Jim Hayton) and secure the £7,500 prize – after which the decision was taken to retire the May 2015 son of Ballymac Eske and Macys Perfect.

“It’s been a tough year getting him back racing at this level,” said winning trainer Perry. “It was a relief to see him win last week in the semis, and then to win a Category One in his final race is amazing.

“He’s had trouble with a shoulder and, win or lose tonight, myself and Nic (Brereton) were ready to call time – and now he goes out at the top! He was bred here and he’s staying here – and will enjoy retirement.”

Of the race, in which Geelo Monty proved too strong for the gallant runner-up before scoring in 29.05sec (normal), winning owner Brereton added: “It was his six-bend speed and stamina that helped him massively.

“In many ways, the race went exactly as we’d hoped. We needed him to slightly miss the break to avoid three and five coming together and sandwiching him, and then for him to pick his way through and use his stamina to finish strongly to win.

“Winning a Category One is always so exciting, but to do so with a dog that you bred at home takes it to a whole new level. Given the niggles we’ve had with him, we were definitely going to retire him and he’s so earned his place on the sofa.

“It’s a great way to finish his career and I’d like to thank not just the Sheffield management, but also the British Greyhound Breeders Forum (BGRF). It’s important to support these British-bred events – and we’re delighted to win another one.”

Speaking on behalf of the track itself, venue director Dave Perry said: “Geelo Monty produced the goods when it mattered most, but fair play to Jim Hayton also. He was second last year having won the competition the previous year.

“His Viking Jerry ran a stormer and Geelo Monty had to dig deep to get there. There was a big cheer from the locals when he got up, but it was very much a Yorkshire one-two also – and I think we’ve been treated to a great final of a top competition.

“We had a bumper Xmas crowd here to see it all unfold, and it was an honour to host and complete our fourth Category One race of the year with the British Bred Derby Final.

“Our thanks go to John Marriott and the BGBF committee for choosing Sheffield as the venue to stage the event – and we would look forward to staging it again next year should they wish.”