Ned takes his place in another Select Stakes

Ned set to try for back-to-back Select Stakes

Wicky Ned will bid to add to his name to a select band of double winners in the famous race when in-form Jimmy Fenwick sends out the 2024 Greyhound of the Year to defend his Select Stakes title at Nottingham on Monday. 

Last year's winner was overwhelmingly voted into the 500m one-off by a panel of Greyhound Writers' Association members along with Derby consolation winner Strike It Skye as the two most popular choices along with last year's PGR Kent Derby winner Romeo Tomcat and Irish star Ballymac Ralf.

Thereafter it became a shootout for the final two places - and three leading contenders - as GWA chairman Jonathan Hobbs explained.

"The Select Stakes never ceases to amaze - and each year we're faced with some stark choices - this year more than ever," he said.

"A request for votes was sent out last week. We had nine entries for the Select Stakes and six for the Select Stayers - so that looked after itself! But the Select Stakes was clearly a real head-scratcher for most who chose to vote - especially once Fortanach Col won the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore!

"A few members asked to recall their votes - and changed their minds, which was fair enough. Kelly (Wilton) has done an incredible job with Fortanach Col, although I think most members were secretly hoping she'd have gone for the Select Stayers instead! 

"But their's is a great story and provides local interest which might also have been factored into thinking, as might his two Cat One titles - albeit the finals of each were over six bends. 

"It's never easy leaving any runner out - and the point was made by many that No Better Feelin has a great record at Nottingham and it was not easy to leave him out for instance. Ultimately it was a shootout between Tiffield Tarquin and Underground Gold for that final place and on countback the latter edged it."

The Arena Racing Company Select Stakes, worth £12,500 to the winner, shares the stage with the Arc Puppy Classic Final for a gala Bank Holiday Monday card.

The six runners will bid to add their fame to a famous roll of honour including Derby champions and five double winners - Mile Bush Pride (1958/59), Desert Pilot (1979/80), Jaspers Boy(1998/99), Cleenas Lady (2006/07), Jordansoilutions (2010/11) - a list which Wicky Ned will bid to join next week.

The trap draws for both the Arc Select Stakes and Arc Select Stayers will be made on Wednesday.

Arc Select Stakes runners

 Wicky Ned – Jimmy Fenwick, Newcastle

Strike It Skye – Mark Wallis, Unattached

Romeo Tomcat (m) – Patrick Janssens, Towcester

Ballymac Ralf – Gary Dempsey, Ireland

Fortanach Col (m) – Kelly Wilton, Nottingham

Underground Gold – Paul Young, Romford

Reserves

Tiffield Tarquin (w) – Roy Peckham, Unattached

No Better Feelin – Esther Driver, Nottingham

Grouchos Gregor – Kelly Wilton, Nottingham