BOCKOS JON JO landed his second GBGB Category One competition in a matter of weeks with a game victory in the TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint Final over 270m at Towcester on Tuesday.

Extending champion trainer Patrick Janssens’ lead at the top of the Trainer of the Year standings, the August 2018 son of Droopys Jet and Moanteen Beauty was adding to his Coral Golden Sprint title won at Romford last month.

However, it was never plain-sailing for the odds-on favourite as he looked to maintain his unbeaten record in this new competition after a track record-breaking effort in the heats and another superb win in the semis.

With Shrewd Call (David Mulins) breaking in front from trap six and leading into the bend, Bockos Jo Jo again had to call upon his searing burst of pace which saw him draw upsides and challenge the GBGB Sprinter of the Year at the crown of the turn.

A slight coming together then saw Bockos Jon Jo in command along with Mr Roo, with Lee Field’s dog running a cracking race in behind the favourite – the Janssens runner crossing with line with a length and a half to spare in 16.10sec (-10).

Monmore raider Mr Roo was second with Shrewd Call keeping on well to claim third, but it was the Graham Box and Bev Lochead-owned Bockos Jon Jo who took the £5,000 prize prize as the inaugural winner of the TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint.

“He just runs Towcester so well – and it’s great to win,” said winning trainer Patrick Janssens afterwards. “We know he’s a very fast greyhound but he had to work hard to get to the front and be brave at the turn, but he’s got there and we’re delighted.

“I’m delighted for Bev and Graham. We all went through it with Doomie, but Jon Jo has now won two Cat Ones and us as a kennel have now won two major events here too – the Blue Riband and the Northamptonshire Sprint.

“It’s our track now and we’ll hope to be involved in as many of the major competitions here as possible – including the Derby, of course.

“Jon Jo loves Towcester but I feel he’s a short four-bend runner, as opposed to the Derby trip. But we’ll have a chat to Bev and Graham and see where we’re at. We’ve got the (Ladbrokes) Guys & Dolls at Crayford and Yarmouth Derby to think about.

“There’s plenty of races at Romford, too. It’s a nice problem to have!”

Winning part-owner Graham Box added: “He’s probably the fastest dog myself and Bev have had – he just has this massive burst of pace. I’m certainly tempted by the Derby. We know he runs the track well and rails brilliantly, but that’s for down the line.

“It’s just great as owners we’re been here tonight to see the dogs run. It makes all the difference and hopefully we’ll be back cheering on our runners throughout the year – we’re hoping to have at least four runners in the Derby.

“Native Maestro won his semi-final of the Waterford Select Stakes and he’ll be coming over, so it’s been a good night all round – although Maestro has a tough draw in the final!”

Towcester promoter Kevin Boothby congratulated connections of the night’s showpiece event and welcomed owners back to the track.

“It was good to see owners here and hear them cheering on their runners, it’s what the game is all about. It was our second Category One of the year and there are plenty more to come – and generally there is plenty happening here.

“We’ve advertised accommodation here for those travelling to the track for the Derby and bookings there and here at the track are going well – check out our website towcester-racecourse.co.uk for all the details.

“We’re also staging a pre-Derby sale here next Wednesday (April 21) and we’ve a select team of dogs up for auction. Check our greyhoundtrader.com.

“Nothing is easy these days, but we’re working hard to tick all the boxes and everyone is doing their bit, but the track and racing is our number one priority and we’ve a fantastic graded strength now with a host of top trainers.

‘We’ve recently taken on John Mullins and Kevin Hutton and, for Kev, it’s a return to the track where we won the Derby with Dorotas Wildcat.

“I’m sure him and John will have runners in our next major event here which is the KAB Maiden Derby – entries close on April 30 with the heats on May 4.

Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=372466&raceId=729772