WICKY NED gave trainer Jimmy Fenwick the perfect birthday present when storming to victory in the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup Final at Newcastle.

In the process landing the August 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy a fourth Category One success in 2024 – making him a huge player for Greyhound of the Year honours at the GBGB Awards in York on March 6 – Wicky Ned timed his career-best performance for when it mattered most.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present,” said Fenwick, who turned 52 just a few hours after his kennel star raced away to grab gold in the £20,000 showpiece.

“I thought he ran great in the semi-finals, the best he’d run at Newcastle, but he’s topped that again in the final. It’s one of the fastest times ever at Newcastle and that makes us all very proud, even though we knew he’d improve throughout the event.”

Fenwick admitted that Wicky Ned came into the All England Cup under a cloud and it had been touch and go whether the entry could have been fulfilled, let alone land Fenwick a second All England Cup as a trainer after Ice On Fire’s win in 2019 – and a third overall given he bred and part-owned 2006 champion Geordie Parker.

“He was definitely off-colour after a trial a week before the competition started but improved in the days leading up to the heats,” added Fenwick of the dog owned by Neil ‘Bellmore Sally’ McGregor. “I knew he’d come forward for the run in the heats, although he had to do a lot of running just to qualify.

“It was one of those nights when most of the races didn’t really go to plan, so it was a relief in many ways to be in the semis – and I knew he’d improve, especially given how he’d been. He’s just such a resilient dog – we were never entirely happy during the Northern Flat but he just found a way. But this was ever better!”

A 28.15sec semi-final success ensured Wicky Ned went off a warm favourite to win the Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup Final and a fast start set up a six and a half length victory over Unanimous Leon (Tom Heilbron) in a brilliant 28.05sec (normal), the fastest of the year and one of the quickest times ever at Newcastle. Wicky Ned had saved the best for last!

“It’s definitely his best ever run – and one of the best ever at Newcastle,” said Fenwick, a proud Geordie who was delighted to win the ‘North East Derby’ again. He also feels there could be more to come in 2025 with the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester the main long-term target for Wicky Ned.

“To win the Gymcrack and Steel Cup at Sheffield is a great achievement, so, too, the Northern Flat and All England Cup at Newcastle,” continued Fenwick. “But remember he also won the puppy competition on Derby final night, which made up for not progressing in the Derby itself. He had a tough heat that night and, for a young, inexperienced dog, didn’t handle the kennelling there on a long night. He would do now.”

“Myself and Melanie couldn’t have asked for more and, as everyone knows, ours is a really family affair – and the whole team has done great. I’m delighted for Neil (McGregor) – we’ve struck lucky again, me and him! – and we’ll enjoy a night out at the GBGB Awards in a few weeks time, and what will be, will.

“But he’s put himself right in contention. What a year he’s had.”