English Greyhound Derby winning trainer Patrick Janssens started his BGBF British Breeders Stakes campaign in near perfect style, and is represented by all four entries in tonight’s semi-finals.
The Hockwold-based handler qualified Fabulous Heka, Romeo Ability, Romeo Empire and Romeo Tomcat during Monday’s heats, with the former three greyhounds all winning their respective races.
Quickest qualifier Romeo Empire has been drawn in the first of tonight’s semi-finals in trap four, with Romeo Tomcat running out of trap six.
St Leger finalist Fabulous Heka meanwhile will feature alongside kennel mate Romeo Ability in the second semi-final. The trainer-owner combination of Janssens and Dave Firmager certainly aren’t in alien territory, after the pair lifted the same trophy in 2023 with star greyhound Romeo Command.
Local interest will be pinned on Jill Llewellin’s pair Aslan and Platinum Record, who both been drawn next to each in the second semi-final. It marks a career high for the Staffordshire-based greyhounds, who were both competing at A3 grade prior to entering their first Category One competition.
The first three greyhounds in each on this evening’s semi-finals will advance to next week’s £12,500 final, where admission is free to all racegoers who book online with a welcome drink included.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races this evening off at 6.37pm. All bookings – including for next Monday’s final – can be made via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk.
2026 BGBF British Breeders Stakes semi-finals
Semi Final One: Tre Cool, Zappa, Romeo Force, Romeo Empire, Malcolm Bosh, Romeo Tomcat.
Semi Final Two: Romeo Ability, Eagles Respect, Fabulous Heka, Aurora Dawn, Aslan, Platinum Record.
