SPACE JET underlined her place as the sport’s biggest star with a sensational success in the JenningsBet Select Stayers Stakes at Nottingham on Monday.

Part of a triple-header of big races at the Colwick Park venue including the JenningsBet Select Stakes and JenningsBet Puppy Classic, the six-bend feature went the way of the Matt Dartnall-trained, Kurn Rushen-owned February 2019 daughter of Droopys Jet and Volcano, now very much a senior performer.

However, still able to show her younger rivals a clean pair of heels as the race unfolds, Space Jet produced her customary last-to-first finish to claim the £2,000 GBGB Category Two prize to add to her recent Premier Greyhound Racing Regency title at Hove.

Led for much of the way by Arc Grand Prix winner Coonough Crow (Mark Wallis), Space Jet trailed the field off the second bend of the 730m trip but began to make ground heading into the third turn and then proceeded to reel in her rivals one by one against the rail before setting her sights on the leader approaching the last bend.

There was a coming together between the pair off the final turn but Space Jet, last year’s GBGB Marathon Performer of the Year and the 6-4 favourite, was full of running and went on for a four-length success over Coonough Crow in 44.34sec (+50), with Monmore raider Millridge Tanic (Pat Curtin) a commendable third.

Afterwards, kennelhand Mark Sealey and owner Kurn Rushen told track commentator Rob Crawford, in an interview for social media, that the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger was the next major target for the kennel’s pride and joy Space Jet.

Rushen said: “I’ve been in this game for 30 years and have never seen anything like her, let alone owned one like her – she’s amazing. Well done to Matt (Dartnall) and the whole kennel and the target now is the St Leger – she won it two years ago.”

For his part Crawford said: “Well done to all the winners on what was a great night. Space Jet just took the breath away and it was a privilege to be here, as it was for the other big races on the night, the Select Stakes and the Puppy Classic.

“There was a good Bank Holiday crowd and cracking atmosphere at Nottingham and we were treated to some brilliant action on the track, right up to the last sprint race when Hopes Knight ran really well to beat hotpot Gougane Jet. That was a great effort and superb clock (17.58sec).

“It should also be mentioned that sponsors JenningsBet gave away best-turned-out prizes for all the races on the night with bigger prizes for the Puppy Classic, Select Stakes and Select Stayers Stakes. These were given to the kennelhands of each of those greyhounds chosen.

“Derek Somers of JenningsBet said it was about giving something back to those who work hardest of all, the kennelhands, and I know it was appreciated. Thanks also to those owners and trainers who made themselves available for post-race interviews. These always go down well.”