QUEEN SINEAD (7-1) might have been the least fancied of Liz McNair’s runners in the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup Final but nevertheless came out on top in the 450m decider at Oxford last Saturday.

Taking her chance against better-fancied kennelmates King Jackson and Queen Cilla, the April 2023 daughter of King Elvis and Queen Dolly followed up her semi-final success with a superb display of front-running to claim the £10,000 prize narrowly from the unlucky-in-running King Jackson for a McNair one-two.

Also landing a one-two for owners and breeders the KSS Syndicate, Queen Sinead was quickly into stride and soon had her rivals under pressure with a 3.82sec sectional setting up a decent early advantage.

Queen Cilla turned second but is was her littermate King Jackson who ultimately went closest, hitting top gear down the far side after a moderate exit and running on strongly to close on the leader all the way up the run-in. However, Queen Sinead just held on for a short-head success in 27.09sec (-20).

Third home was Kevin Boothby’s Savana Merapi (Diane Henry) but it was the McNairs’ night at Oxford – not for the first time – and Rab McNair, husband of the winning trainer, was delighted.

“Oxford has been good to us. We enjoy going there and the pups have done really well,” he said. “Sinead has always been quick and has taken her chance well, but fair play to Jackson who’s run on well. Everyone knows we think a lot of him.

“Many thanks to Liz and Wayne Mazey who again helped us out on the night and to Dan Brabon, a good friend of ours, who takes a lot of our pups early on in their careers to give them experience. He had Sinead when she won a graded sprint at Central Park in just her second race.”

Liz Mort, chair of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum, said: “Well done to Liz and Rab and the KSS Syndicate. They’ve excelled with their home-bred Kings and Queens over a number of years now – and I know they enjoy their visits to Oxford!

“Queen Sinead really deserved the win. The opportunity was there to dominate once she led up King Jackson and Queen Cilla and she took her chance with all four paws.

“As the British Greyhound Breeders’ Forum, we thank Oxford for another superb Puppy Cup and thanks in particular to track boss Kevin Boothby.

“Very sadly, as I do love the puppy competitions, I couldn’t get to Oxford on Saturday but Kevin kindly stepped in and represented the BGBF and Oxford in presenting the trophy and that support is much appreciated.

“He is, of course, an owner of several British-bred litters out of his bitches – and indeed owner of third-placed Savana Merapi.

“We actually had some fun when that litter was named. Bred by Diane Henry, they are by Kevin’s Adeles Duke out of his Savana Volcano I can honestly say they increased the number of volcanos around the world that I can name. Merapi is apparently in Indonesia – and still active!

“Kevin is a great supporter of British breeding and I wish him a lot of luck with his pups, which are looking good.

“Thanks to all the trainers, breeders and owners who supported the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup this year. It was a cracking event.”