Chelms Cub rounded off an extraordinary year at Oxford Stadium on Friday night when winning the inaugural Category One bet365 Challenge Cup in front of a bumper crowd.
Jason Heath’s three-year-old dog showed good early pace to lead entering the first of six bends before favourite Antigua Sugar established a four-length lead by time they crossed the finish line for the first time.
It appeared Antigua Sugar had done enough to hold off her closest rival by retaining that lead down the backstraight. Slowly but surely, Chelms Cub reduced the gap and only took the lead in the closing two strides.
The win marked Chelms Cub’s second major triumph in 2022 after he landed Hunt Cup at Towcester earlier in the year. He was also a finalist in the Regency, Summer Classic and St Leger.
Trainer Jason Heath told the Greyhound Star: “He ran his heart out for us and to reach five Category One finals and win two is a massive achievement for him and the kennel.
“I’d like to thank Kevin Boothby and everyone connected to Oxford Stadium for a great night, the running surface was perfect.”
