BOCKOS DOOMIE is the winner of the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month for July after winning the Puppy Derby at Henlow.

Patrick Janssens, currently leading the way in the GBGB Trainer of the Year standings, hoped to celebrate the news with progress through the Nottingham Puppy Classic – however a troubled run in the heats saw the dog, described by him as the “most exciting puppy I’ve put a lead on”, eliminated.

“It was one of those races with no margin for error,” he said. “All the favourites to win the event seemed to be grouped together and he just couldn’t get through and actually just tweaked a muscle.

“He’ll have a few weeks off and then we’ll prepare him for the Kent Derby. He’s well in himself and remains a dog we think the world of. He was fantastic at Henlow and I was delighted for his owners Bev (Lochead), Graham (Box) and Austin (Whelan).

“Then to win the monthly award was great for them – they can share these trophies around!

“It was a very tough set of nominations for July, probably one of the best we’ve seen. It’s great that RPGTV viewers are enjoying watching him too. He’s an exciting dog to watch for us all and he’s one that gives you a few race options. He was a precocious pup hence why we put him in the Derby and he wasn’t disgraced at all.

“Obviously the long term target is next year’s Derby – wherever that may be! We’re having a good year and Doomie has been a major part of that. Only hard work can get you these results and well done to Cheryl (wife, assistant) and Ria (daughter, kennelhand). And to Ron Mills – another key help to us.”

Bockos Doomie topped the RPGTV viewers poll, claiming 35 per cent of the vote ahead of Barrie Draper’s Bull Run Button (Sheffield 3 Steps), Robert Holt’s Trickys Dumbo (Select Stakes) and Angela Harrison’s Velvet Juliet (Sunderland Classic).