Veteran Hiya Butt turned back the clock to record the fastest time of the first round of the Stadium Bookmakers National Sprint at Nottingham.
The best dual distance hound of his generation who swerved last year’s event to contest and win the Laurels, clocked a superb 17.50. But he will have to be at his absolute best to come through a semi final that would do justice to the decider. (see below). It features all three of Hayley Keightley’s winners plus a fourth winner in Ballymac Sexton.
Heat 1 went to the 2016 finalist Ballymac Sexton (T4 2-1) who led home Bar The Warrior (T1 5-4f) and Racy Rhythm (T6 8-1). 17.53 4¼, 1¼
Heat 2 went to Toolmaker Rambo (T2 2-1), who beat Chopchop Hope (T6 6-4f) and Knockard Spring (T1 7-2) 17.63 1¾, hd
Heat 3 went to Queen Adele (T3 5-4f) from Suirside Leah (T1 7-4) and Viking Jimmy (T6 7-1) 17.88 ½ 4¼
Heat 4 went to Roxholme Hat (T4 2-5f) from Lacken Decco (T6 6-1)and Fernhill Jim (T3 14-1) 17.55 3½ 3¼
Heat 5 went to Hiya Butt (T2 4-7f) from the defending champ Trapstyle Jet (T1 2-1) and Revilo Fox (T3 6-1) 17.50 3½ 1
Heat 6 went to Queen Anna (T3 2-1) from the 2015 National Sprint Champ Scoalri Sound (T2 7-2) and Russanda Ronan (T4 6-1). 17.69 ¾ 1
FOOTAGE COURTESY OF GREYHOUNDSNOW
QUEEN ADELE lands the first leg of Hayley Keightley’s superb hat trick in the National Sprint heats.
Nottingham 4th December 2017.
Photo: © Steve Nash
