UNDERGROUND GOLD showed older and more experienced rivals a clean pair of heels to land a brilliant victory in the Arena Racing Company Select Stakes at Nottingham.

The £12,500-to-the-winner one-off, for which the runners are chosen by the Greyhound Writers’ Association, once again saw a quality field assembled with a host of major winners brought together, including 2025 winner Wicky Ned (Jimmy Fenwick) and a former Greyhound of the Year. Irish interest was provided by English Derby finalist Ballymac Ralf (Gary Dempsey).

However, off the back of a fast break and 5.06sec sectional, Paul Young’s Ladbrokes Puppy Derby champion and English Derby quarter-finalist Underground Gold was soon clear and on his way to a trap-to-line success in the prestigious event, crossing the line four and a half lengths clear of the running-on-well Romeo Tomcat (Patrick Janssens) in 29.24sec (+40) for the 500m trip.

Winning for the Underground Greyhounds syndicate headed by Alan Heard filled a void for winning trainer Young with the Romford handler delighted to win his first Select Stakes on a big night at the Colwick Park venue which also saw the Arc-backed Puppy Classic Final and the Select Stayers.

“It’s great to be a part of these big nights and races, which can – and should be – even bigger I believe, but to win is extra special,” he said. “Everyone knows how highly we’ve thought of Gold right from the start and he showed early on what he’s capable of at Monmore – and 27.79sec in the final there tells you everything.

“He was on the young side for the Derby but we had to give it a go and, while things weren’t that smooth for him, making the quarter-finals was an achievement. But he needed time off after the Derby Consolation and was trialing back well.

“I’m glad he was given the chance to run in the Select Stakes because he’s shown his class and having his name on the list of winners in that race is fully deserved – and great for us.

“And I know we always say it, but these days given how busy kennels are, it’s a team effort and Miriam and her team do amazing work looking after the dogs day in, day out.”

Underground Gold, an August 2024 son of Callaway Pro Am and Droopys Charm, now has the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby at Central Park as a target.