ROMEO RUMBLE, the outsider of the field at 12-1, landed both trainer John Mullins and owner and breeder David Firmager a second BGBF/Nottingham British Breeders Stakes at the Colwick Park track on Monday.

Breaking smartly from a trap six pitch, the two-year-old son of Rumble Impact and Fabulous Pin was soon in command and held off the challenge of Liz McNair’s kennelmates King Turbo and King Sheeran, before Heather Dimmock’s game Down To The Felt came with a strong run to finish second.

Winning trainer John Mullins, who won the event in 2016 with Badabing, said: “He’s run a cracking race and I’m delighted for not just myself but Dave and Nicky (Firmager). They breed great British-bred litters and are fantastic for the sport and British breeding especially.

“However, none of this would have been possible without the hard work of the lads back at the kennels – Nigel Tanner and Jeff Rayner.

“I knew he was in good order and it was about getting it right on the night – and he did. He stays well so once he trapped in front I knew he had every chance – and he’s kept his form really well. It’s great to win a Cat One – as a trainer that’s what you aim for and you never get tired of that feeling of winning one!”

A return to Nottingham for the Eclipse is now on the cards for Romeo Rumble, although the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield in December is also a target. “We always try to support these British-bred events and well done to Nottingham and the BGBF for organising this and other events,” added Mullins.

David Firmager, who bred and trained 2012 winner Romeo Recruit, said: “John has done a great job – that was great fun and is why we’re involved. We’re reduced our numbers from when I originally had the trainer’s licence, but we’ve continued to breed litters and for the past few weeks I’ve actually had the licence back to race a few.

“But we’re moving on the racing dogs and bitches now – Laurence Tuffin here at Nottingham and John (Mullins) will have some – and we’ll return to bringing on the litters and pups. I like what the committee are doing with these regular British-bred events and they will have the support of the ‘Romeo’ dogs and ‘Fabulous’ bitches moving forward.”

Liz Mort, chair of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum (BGBF), said: “Congratulations to John (Mullins) and his team – and to David and Nic (Firmager). They are all great supporters of British breeding and we’re lucky to have them breed these exceptional litters year in, year out.

“There’s good competitions out there now – and it’s just about building on those. But we’ve always got to look forward – British breeders need to know these events are happening so the litters they have on the ground now will have competitions and trophies to race for two or three years down the line.

“Thanks to Nottingham for their superb organisation of the British Breeders Stakes once again. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the support of the British Greyhound Racing Fund. We at the BGBF don’t have any money as such – we are funded by the BGRF – and that support is vital. It means we can continue to offer incentives for British breeders with these regular events.

“We’ve a final Category One of the year at Sheffield with the BGBF British Bred Derby in December, but we’ve also got the Puppy Oaks at Romford and a sprint at Harlow between now and then – and we’re already working on the schedule for next year.

“I was delighted to see BGBF secretary Carl Perry here tonight, too, along with Mark Pierrepont – and John (Mullins) is another committee member, of course. They and the other committee members are making a valuable contribution.

“The ultimate aim must be to introduce British-bred events at every track in the UK, perhaps also including incentives and competitions for British-bred graded runners too.”