NICK SAVVA

The greyhound racing world is in mourning following the sad news that one of the true legends of the sport, Nick Savva passed away on Thursday.

For most Nick is remembered as the man responsible for the great Westmead Hawk but his achievements in the sport are endless.

He is certainly the most successful British breeder of all time, while he is also regarded as one of the finest trainers to ever put a lead on a greyhound. His famed Westmead line was responsible for countless classic winners including the aforementioned dual English Derby champion Westmead Hawk.

The Hawk won both his Derby titles at Plough Lane, Wimbledon in 2005 and 2006 and a year later his half-brother Westmead Lord - also bred, reared and trained by Nick - won the 2007 Derby.

Nick also famously steered Toms The Best to Irish Derby glory in 1997 before creating history a year later by becoming the only greyhound to win both the Irish and English Derby. But on top of his Derby winners, he also trained some of the fastest and most influential sires of the modern greyhound racing era including the likes of Phantom Flash, Staplers Jo and Larkhill Jo. Phantom Flash was awesomely fast and reached the final of the Irish Derby in 1990 before winning a Scottish Derby in 1991.

In all, Nick won the English Derby four times, the Scottish Derby on four separate occasions and an Irish Derby. He won everything worth winning in the UK on more than one occasion and established himself as one of the most knowledgeable and famous names in the sport.

Aside from his brilliance with a greyhound, he was also the most wonderful company. An intelligent man with a great sense of humour, he was a joy to be around. Over the past hours, there have been so many fitting tributes to Nick Savva and each were greatly deserved. There are links to some posted below.

They simply don’t make them like Nick anymore. We would likely to take this opportunity to send on our condolences to his family and many friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Below are links to two pieces on the Racing Post.

First is the story, written by Phil Donaldson, of Nick’s passing with tributes attached - https://greyhoundbet.racingpost.com/#news-story/story_id=1244276

The second is Floyd Amnplett speaking of his great friend and reminiscing on his brilliance with all animals - https://greyhoundbet.racingpost.com/#news-story/story_id=1244292