SHEFFIELD’S director of racing Andrew Mascarenhas is looking forward to Sunday’s semi-finals of the Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory after the unique tri-distance event threw up its usual mix of surprises and high-class performances in the heats.

The competition, which sees heats over 480m, semi-finals over 500m and a final over 660m, was born and introduced at Sheffield by the track’s late GM John Gilburn and it has a favourite place in the GBGB Calendar for owners and trainers with different sorts of runners.

Mascarenhas said: “The Time 3 Steps never disappoints and we look set for another cracking event moving forward.”

“You might have a Derby runner, or a St Leger dog. Either way the 3 Steps can be for you and there’s always ifs and buts as you progress through.” 

Casting his eye back to Sunday’s heats, Mascarenhas said the Garry Hamilton-trained Carrick Fergie was the star of the show in many ways.

“Carrick Fergie not only clocked the fastest split and winning time but in winning his heat he also took the biggest scalp in turning over BresBet Gymcrack and Steel City Cup champion and multiple Category One winner Wicky Ned.

“I’m sure connections were delighted with that, albeit perhaps not with the draw for the semi-finals because Carrick Fergie is in against three other heat winners, one of which is Chelms Bear, who arguably put in the most eye-catching performance by showing exceptional back-straight pace.

“The way he ran away from the field and claim the win was really impressive and that’s some race to look forward to Sunday.

“One runner I’d like to particularly mention is Very Elegant who continued a rich vein of form for local trainer Sean Davy in Sunday’s heats and is a major player in the event moving forward with open race-winning form over six bends.”

The 2025 running of the Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory kicked off with success for the Carol Weatherall-trained The Other Boss who led at halfway before scoring in 27.62sec (+10) in heat one before a strong-running performance from local star Very Elegant sealed a 27.73sec (+10) win for Sean Davy’s in heat two.

Mark Wallis’s Kilmore Dancer was an impressive three-length winner of heat three in 27.49sec (+10), before Tom Heilbron’s Clodcar Rosie was quick to stride and made all in heat four, stopping the clock in 27.65sec (+10).

Gary Hamilton then sent out Carrick Fergie to shine in heat five, outgunning ante-post favourite Wicky Ned (Jimmy Fenwick) early and keeping the Newcastle star at bay for a three-quarters of a length win in 27.38sec (+10).

Chelms Bear, formerly known as Barntick Bear, then wrapped up the heats with a typically powerful victory to come home over four lengths clear of the chasing pack in heat six to record his first victory for new trainer Craig Morris.

The winning time for the 480m trip was 27.49sec (+10).