CHELMS CUB threw himself in the mix for GBGB Stayer of the Year when winning the Bet365 Challenge Cup Final over 650m at Oxford on Friday.

Trained by Jason Heath and owned by Steve Eason and Matt Hughes, the December 2019 son of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Andwhy produced arguably a career-best effort in the £10,000 decider when reeling favourite Antigua Sugar (Mark Wallis) on the run for home to claim a second Category One title in the 650m event.

Quickly away and leading his field early, connections always hoped the three-year-old was close enough to strike once Antigua Sugar unleashed her customary burst of early pace to take up the running off the second bend. The pair had the race between them from this point and ultimately Chelms Cub proved the stronger.

Keeping up the pressure in behind, the Hove raider powered to the front in sight of the winning line to win by a length in 40.08sec (-30), with Gizmo Smasher (Laurence Tuffin) four lengths back in third.

A delighted winning trainer Heath, landing a second GBGB Category One title after Clongeel Ozzie’s victory in the George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial at Hove the previous weekend, paid tribute to Chelms Cub’s consistency throughout the year given Friday’s race was his fifth Category One appearance of 2022.

“He’s been brilliant, reaching the finals of the Regency (Hove), St Leger (Perry Barr), Summer Stayers Classic (Monmore), and then now winning the Hunt Cup and Challenge Cup. He’s a great dog for myself but also his owners Steve (Eason) and Matt (Hughes) who are great supporters of the kennel and key to what we do here.

“I always felt Chelms Cub and Clongeel Ozzie would be better dogs over six bends then four – and that’s why we pretty easy on both early in their careers and it’s worked well for them. They’ve become really good stayers.

“I thought on the night Chelms Cub was great. He absolutely ran his heart out to get to Mark’s bitch, who’s top class herself, and he needed his own class and strength to get to her. It’s great to win another big event and a huge thanks go to all of the team at Ballytag Kennels – they do just a great job.

“Many thanks to the sponsors and to all at Oxford Stadium – especially Kevin Boothby himself – for putting on a great show. The restaurant service was excellent, the paddock staff top notch, and the running surface was perfect.

“It helped make a really good end to what’s been a good year for us – and we head into 2023 with a nice team of dogs ready to go again!”

Result: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=392353&raceId=899505