ROXHOLME KRISTOF heads to Nottingham for the six-bend competition supporting the Star Sports & Arc Greyhound Derby having won the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month award for September.

The Hayley Keightley-trained runner scooped the award following victory in the £10,000 Gain Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory at Sheffield last month, which included a track record-breaking performance over 480m in the heats of the tri-distance competition.

Part-owned by Keightley and Duncan Lambie, Roxholme Kristof raced unbeaten through the Sheffield event, with victories in the 500m semi-finals and 660m final suggesting he is a high-class greyhound.

A Derby entry followed, but he was crowded out of contention and connections have now opted to target the RPGTV-backed 680m competition, the heats of which take place on Derby semi-final night at Colwick Park on Saturday week.

Mark Keightley, husband of winning trainer Hayley, said: “We took him back to Nottingham for a trial, just to make sure there was no lasting effect mentally from his Derby heat run.

“He got a pretty rough ride then, getting no run whatsoever at the first bend. But he’s gone back there and posted a very fast trial for 500m – so we’re stepping him up now.

“We might be biased but the Greyhound of the Month award for Kristof was more than deserved. While the opposition at Sheffield may not have been Derby class, he could do no more than beat what was there – and boy did he do that!

“Breaking the track record over 480m and giving both the 500m and 660m clocks a real shake proved he’s got what it takes,” added Keightley.

“He proved the rough ride he had in the opening round of the Derby left no lasting damage mentally – he roared round Colwick Park on Saturday! We think a lot of this dog. He’s a good greyhound and can hopefully show that at Nottingham.

“All being well, we’ll then have a look at the [RPGTV] St Leger at Perry Barr.”

In the poll of RPGTV viewers, Roxholme Kristof saw off the challenge of RPGTV Yarmouth Derby champion Kilara Lion (Patrick Janssens), Coral Champion Stakes winner Smallmead (John Mullins) and Coral Romford Puppy Cup champion Tenpin (David Mullins).