BOMBOUT BULLET completed an unbeaten run through the event with another blistering performance to claim gold in the Arena Racing Company National Sprint Final over 305m at Nottingham on Boxing Day.

The end-of-season sprint championship had been moved on a week after heavy rain forced the first round to be rescheduled due to a waterlogged track. It meant the final of the £6,000-to-the-winner GBGB Category Two added spice to the traditional Boxing Day card at the Colwick Park venue, which drew an impressive crowd in.

Lining up a 4-7 chance after impressive wins in the heats and semis, Bombout Bullet was well away from a red-jacket draw and always held sway before going on to score by three and three quarter lengths from Bluejig Orphelia (Yvonne Bell) and Ellanne Best (Barrie Draper) in a rapid-fire 17.52sec for the two-bend trip.

Winning for Hove trainer Belinda Green and owners Billy Boyle, Clive and Dave Lawrence, and Green herself, the April 2021 son of Ballymac Best and Carmac Luna delighted connections with part-owner Boyle the first to congratulate Nottingham for hosting the competition, and his trainer for lifting another major title.

He said: “The National Sprint is a fantastic competition and ‘Markie’ (Bombout Bullet) did us all proud. Nottingham is a wonderful track with the 305m sprint distance perfect for proper sprinters as well as real sharp four-bend types – and I must add the hospitality shown by management on the day was top-class.

“Lindy (Green) knows my love for stayers but she asked me to look out for a sprinter to buy as I’m always sending her strong-running types to train. She loves explosive sprinters!

“I knew the right greyhound to look for as the MWD Syndicate had just purchased Quarteira and, when doing the videos, a certain other dog also caught my eye. Ardfert Markie had a 17.50sec Tralee run on the card plus a 18.57sec at Shelbourne – and was leading Derby types to the three-quarters at Tralee and Clonmel in the Produce.

“I made an enquiry to Brendan Maunsell who said the greyhound was available but we were some way apart in how we both valued him. Brendan still saw Markie as a potential competition 525yd dog whereas I saw him as an out-and-out sprinter. Luckily we were able to do a deal shortly after and I thank Brendan for allowing us to purchase.

“When he first came over he was quite sick and it’s only now we’re starting to see what he’s capable of – so a big thanks must go to Belinda and Gary (Whittington), who have guided him skilfully to peak in the final.

“I’ve enjoyed a fruitful year with the team, winning the Monmore Puppy Derby with Bradys Bullet and Brighton Belle with Betsys Bullet – and now the National Sprint with Markie – but I was really pleased for Clive (Lawrence), as this was his biggest triumph as an owner, and for his brother Dave, whom we share a few other racers with. They are both great company.”

David Evans, Nottingham general manager, was also delighted how the Boxing Day meeting went.

He said: “We had another fantastic Boxing Day meeting here with more than 300 restaurant diners and over 600 trackside spectators enjoying a mix of open and graded racing headlined, of course, by the Arc National Sprint Final.

“The final was a great race with Bombout Bullet clocking the fastest National Sprint final time since Nottingham started hosting the event back in 1990. A massive congratulations therefore to Belinda Green and Bullet’s owners who have a great greyhound on their hands who was a deserved winner, running unbeaten though the event.

“This year has thrown a few curved balls our way but I’d like to thank all of Nottingham’s trainers and owners, plus all the track, racing office, kennel and hospitality staff, for everything they have done to make 2023 a great year for Nottingham Greyhound Stadium.

“With all the changes happening as of January 1, I’m sure 2024 will be an even bigger success and I invite everyone to come to the stadium on Monday and Friday evenings next year to watch some great racing in a great atmosphere – and, remember, we offer a 20 per cent discount in our restaurant throughout January and February so book early to get the best deals!”