Santas Amigo comfortable after operation as retirement confirmed
David Mullins reports the joint GBGB Newcomer of the Year suffered a career-ending injury at Towcester on Sunday but will make a full recovery.
Picture Rhianne Mullins X feed
Classic and All England Cup hero was 'better than ever'
Santas Amigo has been operated on and is expected to make a full recovery after a career-ending injury at Towcester on Sunday.
Named joint winner of the GBGB Newcomer of the Year 2025 at the recent GBGB Awards after his successes in the Arc Classic at Sunderland and Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup at Newcastle, Santas Amigo was being aimed at the Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd. English Greyhound Derby after finishing a game second to Swords Style in the Time Juvenile Championship the week before.
"He's comfortable and the operation was a success, but that's it for him racing-wise," said Mullins, who confirmed the brilliant son of Ballymac Best had dislocated his stifle and suffered ligament damage.
"Thankfully nothing was broken but the ligament needed stitching and, while he's feeling sorry for himself, the vet we use has done a great job and he'll recover in time and that's the main thing as we know.
"But it's devastating for all of us and Amigo's owners Nadeem (Raja) and Greg (White), especially. But they've been very supportive and are just keen he makes a full recovery and can enjoy retirement, which he will.
"I suppose what's frustrating and quite sad is that, as much as he did brilliant last year at Sunderland and then Newcastle, he was a better dog this year, better than ever. His trials at Towcester in the run up to the Juvenile were spectacular. He was getting better and, despite not getting much luck in the Juvenile, still finished second behind Graham's (Holland) dog.
"We were, of course, very hopeful of his chances in the Derby. He was heading there with Zenith Jimbombom and Zenith Legend, but that's not to be now for Amigo but will be for Jimbombom and Legend."
Zenith Jimbombom won the race after Santas Amigo's injury at Towcester on Sunday, winning his own Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd. English Greyhound Derby Trial Stakes in 29.20sec, underlining the highs and lows of sport in less than 20 minutes.
