Hopes of a locally-trained finalist in this year’s £12,500 Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic at Nottingham Stadium are high after Aghaburren Ben qualified for Monday’s semi-finals.
Barry Denby’s star pup finished third behind Gymcrack and Juvenile Classic finalist Romeo Ability and Droopys Alldeway to book his place in the competition’s final 12 which will be reduced to six next week ahead of the final on August Bank Holiday Monday.
The local handler has reached the Puppy Classic final twice before, finishing sixth with Jumeirah Caesar in 2021 and fifth a year later with Bellmore Cricket.
Third time lucky
The team is therefore hoping this year can be a case of third time lucky, and the October ’23 pup’s chances of qualifying were boosted when he was handed a dream draw for next week’s race.
He’s avoided the top two in the market – Patrick Janssens’ Romeo Alliance and Kevin Hutton’s Kranky Drake – and has been drawn in trap four, a box assistant trainer Richard says will work in his favour.
“We’re really pleased with how he ran in his heat,” said Richard. “The draw has worked out really well for him, so we’re very hopeful that he can qualify for the final.
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Big believer
“I’m a big believer that he’ll improve as the competition develops, so to get past the heats is pleasing.
“He’s only had five races, so is still a bit green around the bends but when he straightens up he really shows what he’s capable of.
“At home he does everything right, he’s playful and has a great temperament which is all you can ask for.
“To reach the final would mean a lot to us. We went close in 2022 with Bellmore Cricket and Jumeirah Caesar a year earlier, hopefully it can be a case of third time lucky.”
Joining Aghaburren Ben in semi-final two are Bouncing Monarch, Zenith Jimbombom, Romeo Ability, Whisky Elsa and Santas Amigo.
Top three progress
The top three from the race will progress to the following week’s grand final, which kickstarts Nottingham Stadium’s National Greyhound Week celebrations with a bumper programme of activities planned.
The stadium will open its doors for free on Monday, August 25, for the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic final with the card also featuring the prestigious Select Stakes and Select Stayers.
A Family Fun Night is then planned for Friday, August 29, with 12 live races, face painting, a craft and colouring zone plus garden games and a barbeque planned to light up racegoers’ evening trackside.
Tickets for all fixtures are available online via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk.
2025 Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic, semi-finals:
Semi-final one: Zenith Kindy, Droopys Alldeway, Cooladerrydancer, Romeo Alliance, Droopys Poker, Kranky Drake.
Semi-final two: Bouncing Monarch, Zenith Jimbombom, Romeo Ability, Aghaburren Ben, Whisky Elsa, Santas Amigo.
