“We’ve done it three times previously, so perhaps we can make it fourth time lucky"
Barry Denby has had three prior finalists in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic and bids for a fourth next Monday as Bellmore Whisley lines up in the semis.
Fourth time lucky for Denby?
Barry Denby will be hoping for a case of fourth time lucky in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic after Bellmore Whiskey advanced to the competition’s semi-finals on Monday.
The Sutton-on-Ashfield trainer has reached the final of Nottingham Stadium’s premier puppy competition worth £12,500 to the winner three times previously.
Jumeirah Caesar finished sixth in 2021 while Bellmore Cricket (2022) and Aghaburren Ben (2025) were both fifth respectively.
A flying start for Bellmore Whiskey in Monday’s heats ensured he clocked a personal best sectional time in heat two, which paved the way to a place in the Classic’s last 18.
He joins Poppy Queen, Scooby Mustang, Daleroad Magic, Farneys Tilly and Drive On Flint in semi final two next week where the first two greyhounds will advance to August Bank Holiday Monday’s showcase final.
“We were confident he’d qualify,” said Barry.
“He has fantastic early pace and seems to trap best when he runs from three or four – which is a slight concern ahead of Monday’s semi-finals as we’re drawn in two.
“I’m not hopeful of winning the competition outright, but it would be great if we could be represented in the final again.
“We’ve done it three times previously, so perhaps we can make it fourth time lucky and add to our Category One cabinet after winning the Oaks last year.”
Starring in the Puppy Classic appears to run in the family for Bellmore Whiskey.
His mother – Bellmore Lucy – is also the mum of Bellmore Cricket, who qualified for the Puppy Classic final four years ago.
And Barry’s kennel has been boosted in recent months by not only the addition of Bellmore Whiskey, but his litter sister – Bellmore Queen – too, who has won three of her first eight races at Nottingham.
Barry added: “They’re two great additions to the kennel, and (Bellmore) Queen is progressing up the grades nicely.
“All in all, it’s been a positive year and to be part of finals night at our local track would mean a great deal to everyone involved.”
Sean Parker's Nicky Swithin was the fastest greyhound to qualify from Monday’s heats, clocking 29.32. Jackierua meanwhile is the other local representative to feature on Monday’s card after he finished second in heat three for trainer Jason Gray.
Tickets for the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic semi-finals on Monday, August 24, are free when booked in advance via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk.
The same offer applies to finals night on August Bank Holiday Monday, where the track is expecting to welcome one of its biggest crowds of the year. Doors open on both nights at 5.30pm, with the first race off at 6.37pm.
