WICKY NED threw his name into the mix for Greyhound of the Year reckoning with another major triumph at Sheffield on Sunday – albeit only after a brilliant battle with Links Maverick helped him claim victory in the BresBet Steel City Cup Final.

Already winner of the Gymcrack over the same C&D and Northern Flat at Newcastle, plus a puppy competition on Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby final night at Towcester, the Jimmy Fenwick-trained Wicky Ned landed his fourth final in last-gasp style to claim the £11,500 first prize and an additional £10,000 from the sponsors for the Gymcrack/Steel City Cup double.

Fenwick’s 36-kilo August 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy was none too well away in the 500m decider as Tom Heilbron’s Links Maverick blasted to the first bend off the back of a 4.09sec split, chased hard by kennelmate Romeo Cypher, with the Newcastle raider setting a real tempo down the back.

However, Wicky Ned was now in full flow inside and also hit top gear down the back to join issue with Links Maverick and the pair had a protracted battle thereafter, with nothing to separate them rounding the last bend and up the home straight.

The duo hit the line together with the younger Wicky Ned winning by a short-head from the gallant Links Maverick, with Bombay The Joker (John Mullins) and fast-finishing Farneys Willie (Richard Willie) close-up in third and fourth respectively.

Winning trainer Jimmy Fenwick said of the Neil McGregor-owned runner: “Everyone knows   we think the world of him and to land another major competition with him is just fantastic. Wicky Ned showed real guts and has a massive heart with a champion’s will-to-win.

“To give Links Maverick a start like he did and to come through to win was mind-blowing to watch – and thanks to the sponsors for the bonus too! That sort of thing is great for greyhound racing and it’s definitely something we could roll out more in the sport.

“We’ll prepare Ned now for the (Premier Greyhound Racing) Eclipse at Nottingham and will be trialling him before,” added Fenwick.

Sunday’s meeting also included a human race to raise money for Sheffield Retired Greyhounds with track commentator Rob Crawford, off the front of the handicap, not for catching!

Crawford said: “I did say after the 2023 running of the Human Race that I’d never do it again, but Rose (Draper) spoke to me a few weeks ago – and somehow I agreed!

“Sheffield Retired Greyhounds do an amazing job finding homes for our retired stars and it was difficult to say no.

“On the day the fundraising efforts from the whole team was magnificent – and Rose played a pivotal role.

“Since the race I’ve been overwhelmed with congratulations and well wishes from around the wider greyhound community and beyond, but I can safely say I’ll now be hanging up my running shoes and staying behind the microphone!”