The Final of a new Cat 2 competition for British Breds is to be run on Derby night, sponsored by the British Greyhound Breeders’ Forum and highlighting the legacy of the Westmead and Savva names.
Natalie Savva pictured at the 1985 Trainers Championship meeting with George Curtis, Adam Jackson and Ken Linzell.
The ‘Westmead Legacy in Memory of Natalie Savva Stakes’ over 500m will showcase the best of British Breeding on the most important night of the year for greyhound racing in the UK. Winner of the Derby four times – with Toms The Best, Westmead Hawk (twice) and Westmead Lord – Nick Savva is no stranger to Derby night and will be presenting the Trophy.
Chair of the BGBF Liz Mort said ‘We are delighted to be able to sponsor a British Bred race on Derby night! We wanted it to reflect the great history of breeding in the UK so of course it had to be named after the Savvas, whose influence on breeding and training is nothing short of phenomenal! Nick Savva and the Westmeads have had an enormous influence both here and in Ireland as the Hawk stood at Droopys Stud for several years.
He was a sire who was able to pass on a lot of his ability and courage and we are now seeing his offspring in turn being sought after – for example Taylors Sky, who also won the Derby! With Natalie passing away last year, and Nick stepping down from training we felt it was timely and important to honour the legacy they are leaving us.’
The Westmead Legacy in Memory of Natalie Savva Stakes will start with three heats on Derby semis’ night, then have its Final on the Derby night itself. Total prize money for the Final of this new race will be £5000, with a Trophy and jacket also going to the winner on the night.
