BOCKOS JON JO was recently named the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month for March – adding another trophy to the mantlepiece of connections after two GBGB Category One successes already in 2020.

The Patrick Janssens-trained star collected the honour, voted for by Greyhound Writers’ Association members, after winning the TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint Final. His unbeaten run through the two-bend GBGB Category One competition included a new track-record for the 270m in the heats.

The victory of the August 2018 son of Droopys Jet and Moanteen Beauty, owned by Bev Lochead and Graham Box, extended champion trainer Patrick Janssens’ lead at the top of the GBGB Trainer of the Year standings. He was also adding to his Coral Golden Sprint title won at Romford in March.

Bockos Jon Jo had been nominated along with the likes of Graham Rankin’s Jaguar Macie, the Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle winner, Belinda Green’s prolific-winning sprinter Frainey Forever, Liz McNair’s British Breeders Stakes winner King Louis and Jon Jo’s popular now-retired kennelmate Desperado Dan.

“It was great to see Desperado Dan nominated in the first place, as well as Jon Jo. He’s been a great dog for us and ended his career on a winning note at Romford,” said winning trainer Patrick Janssens, “but to win the award with Bockos Jon Jon was great and I’m delighted for the dog and his owners Bev and Graham.

“Jon Jo runs Towcester so well – and ran brilliantly during the Northamptonshire Sprint. It was nice to win there again after Kilara Lion in the Blue Riband and it was great that Bev and Graham were there on final night for the sprint. It was the first night owners were allowed back in, which makes it more special.

“Unfortunately he came off sore after the final so is enjoying a well-earned rest. He’ll be given plenty of time but will be back.

“I’d like to say thank-you to RPGTV for sponsoring the Greyhound of the Month award,” added Janssens. “It’s good for the owners, especially, but great for the kennel as a whole and everyone knows we have a small team here who worked very hard with the greyhounds. Big-race wins make the job easier!”

Clive Lawrence, RPGTV’s executive producer, said: “Well done to Bockos Jon Jo, Patrick and his team, plus Bev and Graham. They are great supporters of the sport and, in Jon Jo, have a brilliantly fast greyhound. He pushed Jaguar Macie in the running for the February award – and she did the same to him in the March award.

“March’s nominations were top-drawer and it was superb to see Desperado Dan in amongst them. I’m not sure there’s been a more popular greyhound on RPGTV in recent years and his overall record is second to none. It was great to see him sign off with a victory on the channel – at Romford, of course! – and we wish him well in retirement.”