ICE ON FIRE celebrated his newly acquired GBGB Greyhound of the Year title on the track as he struck gold on his first appearance of 2020 in Saturday’s RPGTV Juvenile at Sheffield.

The Jimmy Fenwick-trained, Dave Spraggon-owned multiple Category One winner went to traps a warm order to take the prestigious £5,000-to-the-winner one-off and, after a bullet break, was soon bossing proceedings on the inside and had the 500m contest at his mercy thereafter.

To his credit, the Ted Soppitt-trained Waikiki Lad kept the All England Cup and Eclipse champion up to his work, but the Derby favourite was always holding the advantage as he crossed the line half a length clear of the runner-up, with the staying-on Headford Ranger (Kevin Hutton) back in third.

A delighted Jimmy Fenwick said: “That was fantastic and great to see him do what he loves best – and that’s racing. They came to see him tonight – there was a big crowd here and many were taking pictures at the presentation which was great to see. He’s that sort of dog – a crowdpleaser and he’s pleasing us alright!

“I was always hopeful given tonight was a chance to make it 11 wins in a row – and 11 is my lucky number! But they were tough conditions out there and, while he’s been posting some very good trials with some very fast sectionals, 500m in those conditions is not easy, but he’s come through another test again.

“Ted’s dog (Waikiki Lad) has run a cracker and they’ve produced a great race between them, but we can look forward to possibly the Steel City Cup back here next week, then the Derby. It’s just great to be back – he’s been rarin’ to go and trapped really well again, but that’s what he’s about – a natural trapper with great speed.

“He can handle any draw, which means he handle the red jacket well enough. He’s taken a step to the right but bulleted away – and has proved he doesn’t need to lead. In the Laurels final he missed it a touch, but pushed his way to the front and went on. As I’ve said all along, we’re enjoying the ride – there’s no need to be nervous.

“Our only worry has been the sickness in the kennel. I’ve had to withdrawn one or two dogs at Newcastle, but Duke’s been clear of it. He’s been looking a picture over winter, enjoyed the rest, but he’s glad to be back. I’m just delighted for Dave and Pat (Spraggon, owners). They’ve made a weekend of it. You’ve got to enjoy it.”

Happy owner Dave Spraggon added: “He’s some boy, isn’t he?! I thought he might be in trouble today, he’s prefers the top of the ground and it was testing out there, but once again he’s just proved a very good dog indeed. He’s not raced since December and will come on for the run – we look forward again.”

Owlerton Stadium venue director Dave Perry was among the first to congratulate connections and said: “That was a classy performance from a superstar greyhound. We were delighted to host the RPGTV Juvenile – and thanks to the sponsors, of course – but we were also delighted to have Ice On Fire here.

“Having said that well done to Waikiki Lad for keeping tabs with him – he’s run a cracker. Hopefully we’ll see a few of the Juvenile field back here for the RPGTV Steel City Cup, albeit we’ll not have Geelo Blissful sadly. She’s been retired, but will be heading to the breeding paddocks. She’s been a real star of the track for Carl (Perry) and Nic (Brereton).”

Clive Lawrence, RPGTV executive producer and speaking on behalf of the big-race sponsors, said: “It was a thrilling race from the front two with Ice On Fire using his class to account for his lack of race-fitness to hold off the gallant Waikiki Lad.

“I’m sure that all six runners will stamp their mark on the open-race scene in 2020 but the winner has written another chapter in the Ice On Fire ‘story’ which may well have a fairytale ending come Nottingham in May!”