WE continue the countdown to greyhound racing’s night of the year – the GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards at the Royal Lancaster London, on Sunday, January 26 – by looking at those stars of the track who have made the list of nominations for the various award categories.

We start with the SIS British Bred Greyhound of the Year 2019 – King Sheeran, King Turbo and Witton Derecho – 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 British Bred Greyhound of the Year was King Turbo. Liz McNair’s dog is nominated again along with kennelmate King Sheeran. Jill Sutherst’s Witton Derecho completes this esteemed trio.

KING SHEERAN

bd d Eden The Kid – Skate On, Feb 2017

Trainer: Liz McNair, Central Park

Owner: KSS Syndicate

Breeder: KSS Syndicate

Claims to fame: Won the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield, having also landed the BGBF Produce Stakes at Swindon. The Derby semi-finalist also won the end-of-season Coral Greyhound Olympic at Hove.

Trainer says: “This dog has amazed me and fully deserves his nomination. He’s been a real star for the kennel, is a brilliant competition dog – and to think he’s come back from a broken hock, too. We knew he was an exciting pup when he won the Trafalgar Cup in 2018 but his injury could have ended his career, but looks how he comes back!”

KING TURBO

bk d Leamaneigh Turbo – Wee Tiger Tots, Nov 2015

Trainer: Liz McNair, Central Park

Owner: KSS Syndicate

Breeder: KSS Syndicate

Claims to fame: A multiple Category One winner in 2018 and the reigning British Bred Greyhound of the Year, King Turbo aims to defend his title at the GBGB awards. Now retired, he landed the £10,000 Coral Winter Derby in March.

Trainer says: “He’s retired and is standing at stud with Ron Grey near Hartlepool. Along with our own King Elvis, also with Ron, he can be a real boost to British breeding. On the track, King Turbo was a winner. He won everything in 2018 – and could have won the Derby had the ‘rules’ allowed! To see him win the Winter Derby was the icing on the cake.”

WITTON DERECHO

bkw d Tullymurry Act – Alice Wake Up, Dec 2016

Trainer: Jill Sutherst, Sunderland

Owner: Glenn Lynas

Breeder: Jill Sutherst

Claims to fame: Winner of the inaugural BGBF British Bred Northern Plate at Newcastle, Witton Derecho also finished third in the British Bred Oaks at Doncaster. The home-bred has come a long way since winning a Doncaster B5 on debut the previous year.

Trainer says: “She provided myself and Glenn (Lynas, partner) our best moment in the sport when she won at Newcastle. She’s always been a winner, right from the start, and went up the grades at both Doncaster and the Sunderland. The plan is to breed from her when she’s next in season, which could be as soon as February.”

The winners will be presented with their awards at the GBGB Awards at the Royal Lancaster London, on Sunday, January 26.

*For further details and ticket information contact the GBGB on 020 7822 0902 or email awards@gbgb.org.uk.