The Arena Racing Company National Sprint began with a bang at Nottingham on Monday, showcasing some electrifying performances. Among the highlights were Rioja Oisin and Stonepark Hoffa, who clocked the fastest times of the night, completing their respective 350m heats in a stunning 17.58 seconds. Both left their competitors far behind, cementing their status as top contenders. Rioja Oisin, the Scurry Gold Cup champion trained by Kevin Hutton, and Stonepark Hoffa, representing Savva Roberts, were in a league of their own during heats three and four.
Defending champion Bombout Bullet made a triumphant return in heat two, delivering a remarkable 17.68-second run. Belinda Green’s Hove-based star had an explosive start, keeping rivals at bay to secure a commanding all-the-way victory.
Trainer Richie Taberner stole the show by securing two wins in the opening and closing heats. Cree Jo Jo impressed with a blistering 17.69 seconds in heat one, while Aero Pattika demonstrated exceptional all-around speed to claim heat six in 17.72 seconds.
Another standout performance came from Bramble Linton, the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic winner. Racing in heat three for Newcastle trainer Chloe Hardy, Bramble Linton dominated with a near five-length victory, clocking an impressive 17.64 seconds. Hardy, who recently took over the reins from her father, Steve Anderson, continues to make her mark in the sport.
The National Sprint semi-finals are set to take place next Monday, promising more high-octane action.
Keefill Rocky Shines in British Bred Derby Heats
At Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium, the British Bred Derby heats saw Keefill Rocky, trained by Phil Milner, deliver the fastest run of the night. Leading from start to finish, he completed the 500m trip in a dazzling 28.72 seconds. The other heats were claimed by Patrick Janssens’ duo Romeo Control (28.93 seconds) and Romeo Steel (28.88 seconds), as well as Richie Taberner’s Holding Harry, a littermate of Keefill Rocky.
With semi-finals approaching, both the National Sprint and British Bred Derby promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the competition heats up.