Droopys Plunge is named the Greyhound Racing UK Greyhound of the Month for June
The Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby winner Droopys Plunge has been named Greyhound of the Month for June
Greyhound of the Month
The Greyhound Writers Association has announced that the Greyhound Racing UK Greyhound of the Month award for June has been won by Droopys Plunge. Successful in the final of the Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby at Towcester on June 14, the Patrick Janssens-trained son of Droopys Sydney stayed on best to claim the £175,000 prize.
"The GWA asks members for their votes for the Greyhound Racing UK Greyhound of the Month. The decision was taken to make the June award automatic and there could be no more worthy winner than Droopys Plunge after his victory in one of the greatest Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby finals of recent years", said Greyhound Writers’ Association chairman Jonathan Hobbs.
In fact, it was a contest that Floyd Amphlett considers "the best Derby final of my lifetime." That is serious praise from a man who has dedicated his life to the sport.
Droopys Plunge won his opening heat but would not got his head in front again until it mattered the most. His strong-running style kept him competitive throughout the six rounds, saving his best exit for the perfect moment.
A greyhound with a few quirks, it was an outstanding training performance from Janssens and his team to keep the dog happy through the weeks. "It was a great night for the kennel. I’ve been involved in greyhound racing for over 25 years now and it’s probably the best night that I’ve experienced in what was probably one of the best finals we have seen”, Janssens said.
The presentation of the award will happen when Droopys Plunge is next seen in action. Janssens mentioned after the Derby that the Coral Sussex Cup at Hove was a potential target, with the Select Stakes at Nottingham in August and the Arena Racing Company Kent Derby at Central Park in October also under consideration later in the year.
Mongys Wild won the award in May while the July award already has a pair of potential contenders in Fabulous Sonique and Wicky Ned who have claimed the Coral Coronation Cup and the Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory respectively.
