The Semi-Finals for the British Bred Derby took place yesterday (12/12/23) at Owlerton greyhound stadium in Sheffield. The competition features a handful of the strongest British bred greyhounds, running over the standard 500m distance. The semi-finals boasted a large crowd both up and downstairs, with the crowd swiftly moving outside to witness the open racing action.
The races so far have been dominated by Central Park based trainer Elizabeth McNair and her owners, the K.S.S syndicate, who had 4 runners through to the semi-finals, along with Kinsley trainer Kevin Ferguson who had 6/6 from the same litter in the semi-finals. Acomb Irene was one of his runners, who was meant to run in semi-final 2, however she was withdrawn in season. The finals appear to be going the same route, with it almost being a McNair v Ferguson event, both trainers have 2 dogs through to the final, with the final 2 spots taken by John Mullins’ Signet Goofy, and Chris Hamblin’s Savana Top Cat.
Semi-final 1
The first semi-final began with a fairly level break other than trap 4, Some Planning who was slow away. Queen Joni quickly established her lead coming into the first bend. Behind her by a number of lengths was Acomb Felix, who despite his attempts, couldn’t come close to Queen Joni. The standings remained the same throughout with Queen Joni and Acomb Felix leading the pack. However, on the final straight there was a battle for third place occurring with the other 4 runners, with Fearsome Enigma having the third place taken at the last moment by trap 2, Fabulous Sonique. Greenwell Halle wasn’t competitive in this race. However, she ran strongly on from the third bend onwards to achieve 5th place.
Semi-Final 1 Qualifiers
1st: Trap 3, Queen Joni (28.71)
Owned by K.S.S Syndicate & Trained by Elizabeth McNair (Central Park)
2nd: Trap 1, Acomb Felix (29.02)
Owned & Trained by Kevin Ferguson (Kinsley)
Semi-Final 2
Semi-Final 2 was a 5 dog affair due to Kevin Ferguson’s Acomb Irene being withdrawn in season.
The second semi-final was heavily dominated by Liz McNair, who trains 3 of the 5 runners. The race began with a level break. However, trap 3, King Capaldi showed some great early pace to get to the rail and establish a huge lead which was then maintained effortlessly throughout the race. Trap 6, Acomb Johnny also showed some decent early, but there was no catching Capaldi, so he remained in second place leading the rest of the group. Into the third bend, trap 2, King Sydney was contesting Johnnys qualifying position but the attempt was too little and he finished in third. Trap 1, Some effort and trap 4, King Justin didn’t trouble the leaders and stayed towards the back throughout.
This semi-final was won in a time of 28.67, making it the fastest of the 3 semi-finals!
Semi-Final 2 Qualifiers
1st: Trap 3, King Capaldi (28.67)
Owned by K.S.S Syndicate & Trained by Elizabeth McNair (Central Park)
2nd: Trap 6, Acomb Johnny (29.15)
Owned & Trained by Kevin Ferguson (Kinsley)
Semi-final 3
The final of the semi-finals began with a decently level break, with trap 6, Signet Goofy showing some great early pace. Litter siblings Acomb Alfie (Trap 2), Acomb Mabel (Trap 3) and Acomb Jasper (Trap 4) all got in eachothers way, causing some trouble for themselves on the first bend. Acomb Mabel was the worst impeded by this, remaining at the back for the rest of the race. Savana Top Cat in trap 1 avoided this trouble, propelling himself into second place, trailing behind Signet Goofy who was away and gone. Greenwell Ange also avoided this trouble, and ran strong on the back straight in fourth place, before finishing third after passing Acomb Jasper on the home straight
Semi-final 3 Qualifiers
1st: Trap 6, Signet Goofy (28.86)
Owned by Mr.L.W.Calcutt and Mr C.J.Waters & Trained by John Mullins (Yarmouth/Towcester)
2nd: Trap 1, Savana Top Cat (29.11)
Owned by Mr. K.A.Boothby & Trained by Chris Hamblin (Oxford)
The final
The final will take place next Tuesday, the 19th of December. It boasts a £10,000 prize money for the winner, with £1000 for second place and £500 for the other runners.
The final features 2 dogs from Elizabeth McNair‘s kennel, King Capaldi and Queen Joni, who are half siblings (same sire, Droopys Sydney). The McNair pair are the fastest 2 in the semi-finals, with King Capaldi winning with a time of 28.67, and Queen Joni winning in a time of 28.71. Two dogs have also come from Kevin Ferguson‘s kennel, Acomb Felix and Acomb Jasper, who are from the same litter (Hiya Butt x Acomb Ruby Mar’21).The final 2 greyhounds are Steel City Cup winner, Signet Goofy, trained by John Mullins, and Savana Top Cat, trained by Chris Hamblin.
Looking at the card, its hard to say who will be crowned the 2023 BGBF Derby winner. Queen Joni and King Capaldi both have the same sectional (4.12), however King Capaldi has had the best times in both the heats and the semi-finals. Queen Joni runs back out of trap 3, however she desperately wants the rails as seen in the semi-finals when she darted towards them out the traps. King Capaldi is the same, wanting the rails but coming out of trap 4, which could cause some problems on the bend if they both show the same early again. Signet Goofy is in with a great chance in the final, coming out his ideal trap, trap 6, due to being the only wide runner in the field. He has a sectional of (4.19) and a win time in the semi-finals of 28.86, making him close to both Joni and Capaldi timewise. If he can get round without any trouble he could easily snag the winning position.
Savana Top Cat, Acomb Felix and Acomb Johnny all came second in the semi-finals, with times consistently over 29 seconds throughout the competition. The final may prove too much for this trio, however there’s always a chance they could surprise viewers!
Looking forward to seeing how the finals go. Congrats to the breeders of the finalists, and the owners and trainer for having runners in this years final.
