Aghaburren Ben leaves it late to book his Puppy Classic final spot
The locally-trained Aghaburren Ben will bid for glory in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic final at Nottingham on Monday evening.
Ben looking to give the locals something to cheer about
Home hero Aghaburren Ben will bid to become the first locally-trained winner of the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic in 30 years on Bank Holiday Monday at Nottingham Stadium.
Barry Denby’s October ’23 brindled dog showed resilience in abundance to qualify for next week’s £12,500 final, which headlines a sparkling 12-race card at the Colwick venue where admission is free to all racegoers.
The son of 2018 English Greyhound Derby champion Dorotas Wildcat was last approaching the first bend before progressing into fifth at the third bend.
He then motored past ante-post favourite Romeo Ability and Zenith Jimbombom in the closing strides to pinch the sixth and final qualifying position for the 30th renewal of one of the UK’s most prestigious puppy competitions.
The local hope joins Juvenile Classic champion Romeo Alliance, Bouncing Monarch, Whisky Elsa, Kranky Drake and Droopys Poker in the final, and assistant trainer Richard Genders is keeping his fingers crossed for a positive run.
“He just kept running – nothing was going to put him off,” said Genders .
“He was bumped at the first bend and checked at the third, but showed tremendous pace down the back straight which really excited us.
“It’s becoming clearer that the older he gets, the more likely he is to be a six-bend greyhound but time will tell.
“He’ll need to trap better in the final, and there’s still plenty of improvement in him. It means the world to reach a major final at our local track. Every Category One competition is special but this one means that little bit more.
“Best wishes to all finalists, I’m sure it will be a great occasion.”
Tickets for the 2025 Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic Final are free to all racegoers and can be secured either in advance online or on the door. Gates open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night going off at 6.37pm.
The evening also features the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Select Stakes, which this year includes 2024 Greyhound of the Year Wicky Ned and 2025 English Greyhound Derby champion Droopys Plunge.
