Wicky Ned secured his second Category One victory with a determined performance, winning the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat Final at Newcastle on Saturday. The former Belle Vue event shared the spotlight with the Arena Racing Company Angel Of The North final, a Category Two competition, where local runners dominated.
Trained by Jimmy Fenwick and owned by Neil McGregor, the 37-kilo August 2022 pup, sired by Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy, entered the race as the 7-4 favourite despite a semi-final defeat to Slingshot Sam, trained by Brian Fairbairn. In the 480m contest, Wicky Ned took advantage of an inside position, overcoming early bumps to take the lead at the first bend. As his competitors crowded, he pulled ahead, finishing two and three-quarter lengths clear of Slingshot Sam and third-placed Romeo Crossfire, clocking in at 28.81 seconds (+20).
After the race, Fenwick expressed his satisfaction, noting the dog’s strong attitude and potential for future events. He mentioned that despite some struggles around the third bend, Wicky Ned showed impressive strength and resilience.
Neil McGregor, the owner, was thrilled with the victory, recalling the success with another greyhound, Bellmore Sally, and expressing confidence in Wicky Ned’s future. Fenwick indicated plans to give Wicky Ned a short rest to address minor issues and prepare for the JenningsBet Select Stakes, a prestigious upcoming event.
Willie Rigney from Time Greyhound Nutrition congratulated the team, highlighting the quality of the competition and expressing hopes for future collaborations at Newcastle and potentially Sunderland. He praised the excellent organisation at Newcastle and the participation of Time clients in the final, indicating plans for future events.