QUEEN JONI is the Time Greyhound Nutrition Greyhound of the Month for April after her stunning unbeaten run through the Coral Brighton Belle at Hove.
The Liz McNair-trained and KSS Syndicate-owned runner polled the most votes among members of the Greyhound Writers’ Association which saw her edge out fellow big-race UK winners Farneys Willie (Grand Prix, Richard Wales), Kilwest Ranger (Laurels, Tony Harmes), Untold Dollar (Hove Puppy Cup, Carol Weatherall) and Wicky Ned (Gymcrack).
Hove racing manager Rob Abrey said: “Queen Joni was fantastic through the Brighton Belle and deserves the award – and might win it again in May the way she’s going!
“But Coral Brighton Belle night here was special for Liz and Rab (McNair), especially with Queen Dusty finishing second to give the kennel a one-two. I know hindsight’s a wonderful thing but I suppose that was our pointer to Trainers’ Judgement Night the following week here which, of course, the McNairs and the KSS Syndicate won.”
Time Greyhound Nutrition’s Willie Rigney congratulated connections of Queen Joni.
Rigney said: “Joni is a fantastic bitch and our congratulations go to Rab, Liz, Brendan (Keogh), Simon (Senyk) and Ian (Openshaw). Her Brighton Belle win was out the top drawer and, Rob’s right, I’d say Joni gets a few more votes in May’s vote, too!
“She’s been exceptional this year, winning the Kent Plate at Central Park and now the Brighton Belle. That’s two Cat One wins already in 2024, added to her two in 2023.
Queen Joni succeeds joint winners for March’s Time Greyhound of the Month award after Paul Young’s TV Trophy winner Bubbly Inferno shared the spoils with Carol Weatherall’s Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby champion Untold Dollar.