NIC JEAL, owner of Regency favourite Antigua Fire, is backing two new puppy competitions which have been added to the GBGB Calendar in 2020.
The Brinkleys Poet At Stud Young Guns events will be held at Sheffield in September and Central Park in October and are named after his and wife Amanda’s Gymcrack and Select Stakes champion of 2018, who is now standing at stud in Cheshire.
“I love puppy events and seeing young dogs progress and thought this was the best way in a difficult year to give owners and trainers of young dogs something to plan for,” said Nic Jeal. “So well done the GBGB, Central Park and Sheffield for moving quickly on this.”
Details of both competitions will appear in the next edition of the GBGB Calendar with Sheffield’s heats on September 22 and a £3,000 final on September 29. The Central Park event, also £3,000 for two runs, will start on September 27 and finish on October 4.
Both competitions are GBGB Category Two and over 480m, with the idea to give northern and southern-based youngsters a shot at a major puppy event – with the potential of matching the two winners down the line.
“That would be fantastic, especially if we can build on these competitions,” said Jeal.
“Brinkleys Poet’s Gymcrack victory at Kinsley reignited our interest in the sport,” he added. “Hopefully Kinsley will resurrect that great competition in the future. We really don’t want that event to disappear, as have so many other fantastic races.
“Launching these two ‘Young Guns’ events could really be the start of something. We will follow the Romford Puppy Cup, but come before the puppy competition around the Derby at Nottingham. I suppose the two winners could meet there!”
Jeal acknowledged that scheduling in 2020 was an issue. “It’s been difficult for all concerned having lost a chunk of the year, so fair play to everyone who’s making this happen. We wanted to give back to the sport that has given us so much fun.
“Greyhound racing is a sport which has enabled us to meet some wonderful people. In these difficult times we felt this was the correct time to sponsor a competition and help promote open racing – and bring forward the stars of the future.
“Naming these events after Brinkleys Poet just seemed right. He was bred by Brian Kennedy and gave us immense pleasure on the track – he was a true superstar. He’s now at the Merefield Stud in Cheshire and we hope to see his pups arrive soon.
“He’s a dog close to my heart and I can’t bring myself to part with him – and hopefully his offspring can continue the story. We are putting our Antigua Vows to him as soon as she comes into season – hopefully a match made in heaven!
“We’d like to think the Young Guns idea is here to stay and will, of course, be looking at things again for 2021.
“There are plenty of options, but we like the race title! Brendan Keogh backed a puppy event using the same name a couple of years back, so thanks to him for letting us use it – Amanda is a Wham! fan. Say no more!”
