Glenvale Bill completed his domination of the Jenningsbet Puppy Classic Final at Nottingham on Monday night – but then began the next stage of his career by switching from Graham Rankin to Patrick Janssens.
This is how the race went. .
Following the win – Rob Crawford interviewed John and Andrew Wood and Derek Somers from Jenningsbet
It would be the seventh and last race for Bill under the excellent stewardship of Graham Rankin with an agreement having been in place since after the first round for the dog to transfer to then Hockwold kennel of Patrick Janssens.
He said: “I knew about the dog when he was in Ireland. ‘Scotch Eddie’ Goodall reckoned he was a proper greyhound but he ended up being sold. I followed him at Sunderland with some interest, but after I saw him trial around Nottingham I realised he was a ‘proper dog’. Keith Allsop had mentioned he was on the look out for another good dog. I mentioned Bill and he asked if we could do a deal.
“There was some talk about buying him after the competition, but I don’t like doing that, particularly with a dog who you think can win it. So we agreed the deal on the understanding that the dog would stay with Graham until after the final. Graham did absolutely brilliant with him, and I just hope we can match it.
“I really do rate the dog. He isn’t the best trapper but he has great all round pace, and what particularly impresses me about him is his determination which you saw again in the final.
“He ate up last night and we will give him a little while to settle in. We haven’t made any plans so far; I’ll speak to Keith and maybe think about something like the Kent Derby.”
Bill is just the latest addition to an already powerful kennel. Patrick’s original no.1 string for the Puppy Classic Droopys Doughnut went out in the first round but has since bounced back with a 23.63 on his first look at the Romford 400 metre course.
Meanwhile – subject to paperwork – recent Irish Sprint Cup runner-up Who Have I will have his first UK trial at Towcester on Sunday.
