Wicky Ned is on track to claim a £10,000 bonus from the sponsors after securing a win in his semi-final of the BresBet Steel City Cup at Sheffield. Having already taken the title in the Gymcrack over the same course and distance earlier this year, the bonus was set for any dog that could achieve victories in both competitions. Jimmy Fenwick’s greyhound kept his opponents at bay, leading from the start and finishing ahead of Union Rebel (trained by Kevin Hutton) in a swift 28.65 seconds over the 500m distance, the fastest time of the day.
This win now sets the stage for a showdown with fellow track competitor Links Maverick in Sunday’s final. Tom Heilbron’s Newcastle entry also stayed unbeaten in the Category One event, leading from the start in the first semi-final and holding off a late charge from Bombay The Joker (trained by John Mullins) to win by half a length in 28.95 seconds.
In the second semi-final, Romeo Cypher delivered another victory for trainer Heilbron, leading from the start and finishing in 29.00 seconds, holding off Farneys Willie (Richard Wales) to secure his place in the final.
Trap Draw for Sunday’s BresBet Steel City Cup Final (Sheffield, 500m):
1. Wicky Ned
2. Bombay The Joker
3. Romeo Cypher
4. Links Maverick
5. Union Rebel (m)
6. Farneys Willie (w)