Union Rebel heads into Thursday’s semi-finals of the 78th BGBF Two-Year-Old British Bred Produce Stakes at Swindon with confidence, having clocked the fastest time in last week’s second round. It was another stellar night for British-bred greyhounds under the guidance of Kevin Hutton.
Hutton, who is eyeing a second victory in this prestigious competition (first held in Bristol in 1946), following his win with Signet Denver two years ago, will have an impressive six runners in the 476m event semi-finals. Adding to his success, Hutton secured a double in the second round, with Union Rebel’s dominant performance coming after Coppice Ella’s earlier victory.
Coppice Ella, the BGBF British Bred Oaks champion, delivered a powerful run in heat two, turning an early position into a win by overtaking her fast-starting kennelmate, Southfield Poppy, around the final two bends. She crossed the line just ahead of Poppy and Romeo Jackson, clocking 28.45 seconds (-30).
Union Rebel sealed Hutton’s second-round double with an all-the-way win in heat four, breaking smartly and maintaining the lead throughout. He triumphed by three-quarters of a length over Romeo Crusade, with Romeo Cypher following close behind. Union Rebel posted a time of 28.34 seconds (-30).
In heat one, Phil Milner’s Keefil Goose impressed by coming from behind to overtake Dreamin Reggie before pulling away for a three-length victory, recording a time of 28.47 seconds (-30). Local runner Rock It Rambo secured third place, qualifying for the next stage.
Heat three saw Coffee Time Guys, trained by Heather Dimmock, execute a thrilling last-to-first run, reeling in long-time leader Coppice Ronnie for a one-length victory. Southfield Petal, another of Hutton’s runners, also advanced to Thursday’s semi-finals.
Liz Mort, chair of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum (BGBF), expressed her admiration for Hutton’s team, noting how impressive it was to have six semi-finalists. She remarked that, with a different draw, Hutton might have repeated his Oxford feat of qualifying all finalists, but still expected him to have a strong showing in the final.
Mort also highlighted the busy schedule for the British Greyhound Breeders Forum, with the BGBF St Leger starting at Doncaster on Saturday. This Category Two event, featuring 24 British-bred runners over 661m, is part of the Cat Two series funded by SIS, which supports more competitions.
Trap Draw for the 78th BGBF Two-Year-Old British Bred Produce Stakes Semi-Finals:
- First Semi:
1. Romeo Cypher
2. Keefil Goose
3. Southfield Poppy
4. Coppice Ronnie (m)
5. Romeo Jackson (m)
6. Rock It Rambo (m)
- Second Semi:
1. Coffee Time Guys
2. Romeo Crusade
3. Dreamin Reggie (m)
4. Union Rebel (m)
5. Southfield Petal (m)
6. Coppice Ella (w)