NIOSFEARNNABOLT swooped late to grab gold in the Arena Racing Company National Sprint Final as Nottingham’s pre-Xmas big-race treat saw one of the sport’s newest trainers land her first major title in just a matter of weeks since taking over the licence.

Chloe Hardy, the 2023 GBGB Kennelhand of the Year, trains the April 22 son of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballymac Scala for her father and previous licence holder Steve Anderson.

One of two Newcastle-trained runners in the £7,500-to-the-winner sprinters’ showcase, it was trackmate Stonepark Hoffa (Savva Roberts) who broke in front from the outside box and set the early tempo.

However, failing to clear the pacing-up Alien Bolt (Richie Taberner), it was the latter who turned into the home-straight with the advantage and set sail for home, only for 6-1 chance Niosfearnnabolt to himself power up the run-in to join issue on the line, claiming a short-head verdict over Alien Bolt.

Third home was Aero Pattika (Richie Taberner), just ahead of Rioja Oisin (Kevin Hutton), the 5-4 favourite. The winning time for the 305m trip was 18.20sec (+10).

Steve Anderson, winning owner and assistant to daughter, said: “I’m delighted for Chloe. She works so hard – it just makes me think I should have given her the licence sooner. I waited about 25 competitions before landing a big one with Bramble Linton at Sunderland (Premier Greyhound Racing Classic) – and she does it straight away!

“I’ve got to thank Liam Dowling for getting us both him and Bramble Linton and Chloe will have some good fun with them heading into 2025. Both are not just fast but proven competition winners now and you’d think events like the (Coral) Golden Sprint might be up their street – and you know we don’t mind travelling.”

David Evans, Nottingham general manager, said: “Congratulations to Steve and Chloe and all the team. They are a kennel which really put the miles in and have been rewarded with some nice wins this year – we hope to see them back here next year.

“Well done to all our major winners this year. It’s been another busy year for us but a good year and we’re going for more of the same in 2025.

“We’ve got another full book of major competitions here at Nottingham next year – kicking off with the BGBF British Breeders Stakes here in March.”