QUEEN GEORGIA was described as a “superstar” by Brendan Keogh of the owning KSS Syndicate after running amok in Sunday’s Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory Final at Sheffield.

The unique tri-distance competition with heats over 480m, semi-finals over 500m and a 660m decider produced a quality field with a mix of speed and stamina-laden runners in the line-up chasing the £10,000 first prize but the Liz McNair-trained home-bred Queen Georgia stamped her authority in a matter of strides.

On what was her first true six-bend start having competed over 575m at Romford in the Coral Essex Vase at the turn of the year, the British-bred December 21 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Queen Jessiej was very much entering unknown territory as the race unfolded – but a rapid 12.85sec sectional set up victory.

Soon in command, the McNairs’ much-improved sort had an impressive advantage crossing the line first time and piled on the pressure down the back, with Savana Heross moving into a clear second at this point.

The Queen Mother Cup champion over C&D, Diane Henry’s was not likely to be stopping in behind but Queen Georgia stayed on well enough herself and crossed the line four and a quarter lengths clear of Savana Heross and Clairekeith Remy (Carl Gardiner), third in the event for the second year running, in a fast 38.88sec (normal).

Victory landed Queen Georgia her first Category One competition – albeit not the first for this particular litter being the Owlerton Stadium big-race winner is a litter sister of four-time Category One winner Queen Joni.

Brendan Keogh, who heads up the KSS Syndicate along with Simon Senyk and Ian Openshaw, says Queen Georgia is likely to be aimed at a 712m race at Towcester on Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby Final night.

“We can’t quite catapult her into the Derby now!” he said, referring to her entry for the Classic which had to be given up once she made it through to the final at Sheffield, “but we’ll give it a go. She’s got speed and stamina and could make them go.”

Rab McNair, husband of winning trainer Liz, said: “Some people got upset for us about clashing with the Derby, but that entry was just insurance in case things went wrong at Sheffield. She’s a Category One champion now and that’s what matters. Only one dog or bitch can win the Derby, remember. She’s got her title and we’re over the moon.”

Willie Rigney, representing sponsors Time Greyhound Nutrition, said: “Well done to Liz and Rab (McNair) and to Ciaran (Keogh) who’s overseen the Sheffield campaign for the team. He’s done a fantastic job – as have all the KSS team and it was nice to meet with Ian (Openshaw) and his family before and after.

“Sheffield could not have done more for us. It was a brilliant afternoon and our meet-and-greet with trainers and connections worked well and it’s something we’re looking to build on. Time Greyhound Nutrition were last week announced as the sponsors of the Northern Flat at Newcastle in July and we’ll be looking to do the same again there.

“But Sunday was very much about Queen Georgia. She’s some bitch and especially impressive in that she’s a product of a brilliant breeding programme the McNairs and Brendan (Keogh) and the lads have going. Those bitches are throwing some real talent and their rearing and training is top notch. Well done to them.”