KEVIN HUTTON made it back-to-back Category Two successes at Oxford as the progressive Rebel Alaska grabbed gold in the BetGoodwin Series Maiden Final at Oxford.

A Category Two final which supported the final of the bet365 Challenge Cup Final and a cracking battle between eventual winner Vhagar and runner-up Romeo Empire, it was more straightforward for Rebel Alaska who paced up into the lead early and always looked likely to justify 5-6 favouritism.

Trained by Oxford handler Hutton for Billy McMahon, Gary Shelley and Gary Thompson, the strapping 39-kilo March 2024 son Ballymac Bolger and Change Me was soon in charge and raced away from his rivals for the £3,000 first prize, winning by five lengths from Henrys Rex (Nathan Hunt) in 26.64sec (-20).

The success delighted the winning trainer, who said: “He’s a very exciting puppy who has done everything right since the day he arrived. The original plan was to have him for the English Puppy Derby, but when that competition fell through the Oxford Maiden Series looked a sensible target.

“Thankfully he got the boxes right in the final and produced a top-class run for a puppy. Oxford is a great education for young dogs and it’s been a valuable experience for him.”

Representing the sponsors, head of marketing Alan Bridle said: “He looks a very nice dog for Kevin (Hutton) and his owners. He’s well-bred and looks one to follow given he’s had just four races and has made a real impression already.

“As a bookmaker you don’t often want to see the favourite oblige, but I think we’ll let connections off on this occasion! It’s always good to have a classy winner of competitions you support and we’ve had a good run this year.

“In fact, we’ve enjoyed all our sponsorships at the BetGoodwin Oxford Greyhound Stadium, with the BetGoodwin Pall Mall the highlight when Gingers Prince overhauled Rioja Oisin close home. Two high-class dogs in a prestigious final.

“Sunday’s final was the latest in our series of competitions across various distances at the BetGoodwin Oxford Greyhound Stadium and underlines our continued support of greyhound racing.”