Wicky Ned has set up an exciting face-off with Links Maverick in the upcoming BresBet Steel City Cup Final after delivering the fastest time in his semi-final victory at Owlerton Stadium.
The 36-kilogram greyhound, born in August 2022 and sired by Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy, battled fiercely with Union Rebel, trained by Kevin Hutton. In a nail-biting race, Wicky Ned edged ahead at the third bend and pulled away to win by one and three-quarter lengths, finishing in 28.65 seconds over the 500m distance.
Wicky Ned remains in the running for a £10,000 bonus, awarded for winning both the Steel City Cup and the Gymcrack. His trainer, Jimmy Fenwick, expressed his satisfaction, stating that everything had gone as planned. He noted that Wicky Ned had shown improvement since his first-round race, which was his first competitive run since July. Fenwick added that Ned's performance at Newcastle, where he won the Northern Flat, showcased his determination and class.
Fenwick also shared that after the Northern Flat, Wicky Ned seemed slightly off-form, possibly due to a mild virus. Following a precautionary course of antibiotics, the greyhound returned to top form, and Fenwick is hopeful heading into Sunday’s final. "It’s going to be a tough race, but he's doing well, and we’re aiming for that bonus," he said.
Looking beyond the Steel City Cup, Fenwick hinted at future plans, saying that they would consider entering Wicky Ned in the Eclipse and take a shot at the All England Cup, as a proud nod to his Geordie roots.
Meanwhile, Links Maverick secured his place in the final after taking the lead in the first semi-final. Trained by Tom Heilbron, the greyhound held off a fast-finishing Bombay The Joker to win in 28.95 seconds. Heilbron’s success continued with Romeo Cypher, who won the second semi-final in 29.00 seconds after fending off challenges from Acomb Felix and Arc Grand Prix champion Farneys Willie.
Trap draw for Sunday’s BresBet Steel City Cup Final:
1. Wicky Ned
2. Bombay The Joker
3. Romeo Cypher
4. Links Maverick
5. Union Rebel (m)
6. Farneys Willie (w)