Steel City defence is off for injured star Ned

TRAINER Jimmy Fenwick has been forced to cancel plans for a defence of the Category One Steel City Cup for Greyhound of the Year Wicky Ned following a trial over the 500m competition course at Sheffield on Friday night.

Fenwick, who later sent out Gymcrack champion Elusivenomore to record a fastest 29.17sec (-20) in the first of two trial stakes on the card, had given his kennel star a solo workout before racing in which he posted a modest 29.69sec (-30), with the official comment noting he had checked at the first bend.

Fenwick said: “Everything had been going well with Ned and he equalled the clock in a sprint trial last week. 

“But he didn’t come out of the traps well in the trial and then he was not comfortable going round the first bend.

“He walked off fine and there were no signs of any obvious issues with him but I’ve taken him to see George Drake [physio] in Peterborough this morning and he has confirmed that Ned has torn his back right bicep.

“He’ll make a full recovery but will be off for at least six weeks.”

Leading Fenwick’s team for Sheffield in his absence will be the in-form Elusivenomore, who impressed in Friday’s success.

“I was really pleased with Elusivenomore’s run,” his trainer added. 

“Trap one isn’t the best trapping box there but he paced up really well to get inside a fast local dog in Ballymac Lawless and has then pulled away in a decent time.”

The other trial stakes went to Esther Driver’s Carmac Crash, who came from off the pace to win in 29.49sec (-20).

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