STARDOM celebrated her recently announced GWA/RPGTV Greyhound of the Month award for February with victory in the Carling Black Fruit Cider Queen Mother Memorial Cup Final at Sheffield on Sunday.

Heather Dimmock’s Golden Jacket winner (pictured above with connections) came through strongly in a pulsating finish to deny the Philip Simmonds-trained pair of Ridgedale Max and Millroad Susie, with Cinderella (Phil Barlow) a close-up fourth. The winning time for the 660m contest was 39.40sec (normal).

Matt Stagg, Sheffield racing manager, said: “It was a fantastic race enjoyed by a good Mother’s Day crowd we had here and just continues our busy period having had the BGRF Puppy Cup heats the night before and the Steel City Cup Final last week.

“We’re looking forward now to the (Gain Nutrition) Trainers’ Championship Meeting now and are delighted with the card we’ve got here on Saturday.

“We had the lunch at the Napoleons Casino next door on Monday and made the draw for the races in front of the owners and trainers – and I think they all came away happy enough!

“It’s the third time Sheffield has staged the Trainers’ Championship, but will be my first one and I’m looking forward to it. It’s one of those events which is unique being decided on points – and it’d be great if it went to the last leg.”

As for Stardom, the new Queen Mother Cup champion, the plan is for the August 2016 daughter of Ballymac Eske and Old Refrain to head for Hove and a crack at the upcoming Coral Regency.

Richard Evans, part-owner of the two-year-old with other members of the Jabber Crew, said: “I speak on behalf of all the ‘Jabbers’ when I say we couldn’t be any happier with Stardom’s current form.

“She’s won both competitions Heather (Dimmock) and Mick (Pacey) aimed her at, plus won the Greyhound of the Month for February.

“The 660m trip at Sheffield wasn’t really her trip, so to win the Queen Mother Cup the way she did was fantastic. She’s so exciting to watch with her trackcraft and Pat Dalton sent her over in fine condition.

“Heather and Mick didn’t have long to prepare her for the Golden Jacket – they had their work cut out! – but what a job they did. She’s trialled at Hove well, so it looks as though ‘Goldie’ will be heading off for The Regency – Hove’s 695m should suit.

“She’s so relaxed at the kennels when we visit, and also when she’s off to the track, but then gets on with her racing. We’re looking forward to this coming year with her and all our hounds. A big thanks once again to Heather and Mick.”