Janssens taking nothing for granted in BGBF British Breeders Stakes final
Although the combination of Patrick Janssens and David Firmager have four of the six runners in the final of the BGBF British Breeders Stakes, they are not counting their chickens.
Four finalists at Nottingham for Patrick Janssens
A second BGBF British Breeders Stakes title in three years is within touching distance for owner-trainer combination David Firmager and Patrick Janssens.
The duo qualified four greyhounds for Monday’s £12,500 final at Nottingham Stadium, which was won in 2023 by fans’ favourite Romeo Command who later that year finished second in the English Greyhound Derby.
Romeo Empire, Romeo Ability, Fabulous Heka and Romeo Tomcat represent both men on this occasion, while former A6 grader at Towcester Romeo Force and defending Produce Stakes champion Eagles Respect complete the card.
Romeo Empire and Romeo Ability will both be hoping to overcome three successive second place finishes in Category One finals when running from traps three and four respectively.
Kent Derby champion Romeo Tomcat returns for only his third run this year, while Fabulous Heka hopes track form will count after she scooped last year’s Select Stayers at the Colwick Park venue.
“It’s a great achievement for the kennel to have four finalists,” said Janssens.
“But, we have been in this position before and been on the losing side. So we definitely can’t count our chickens.
“Eagles Respect is a very talented greyhound and proven at this level after winning the Produce Stakes in front of Romeo Ability.
“But from our point of view, the whole team is in good form.
“Romeo Ability clocked his fastest time over the 500m trip in the semi-finals, and Romeo Empire looks to be benefitting from a step down in trip from his last two performances.
“For Romeo Tomcat this will be only his third race since the beginning of November, and in his last two runs he has been beaten by really good greyhounds.
“I think Fabulous Heka has the toughest task. She won the Select Stakes last summer, but she’s coming out of season and will need some luck in running to make the frame.”
Admission for the 2026 BGBF British Breeders Stakes final at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium on Monday, March 16, is free to all racegoers who book online in advance. A complimentary welcome drink is included.
