Nowra Gearing Up For Bumper Puppy Classic

THE countdown is on to the heats of the Ladbrokes Nowra Puppy Classic (520m) which will be staged at group 2 level for the first time in 2024.

Boasting $40,000 to winning connections, heats of the race are slated for Sunday, April 21 with the finale to be staged six days later on Saturday, April 27.

First staged in 2003, the Nowra Puppy Classic has been won by some of the stars of the sport, with perhaps the most notable in 2013 when NSW Greyhound of the Year Double Twist landed the event in race record time.

"Everything's coming together nicely for another fantastic series in 2024," Nowra manager Glenn Midson said.

"Trials have been extremely encouraging and all things being equal we are confident of assembling some fantastic heats on Sunday week.

"The race always brings together a top field and I expect 2024 to be no different.

"To reach a $40,000 first prize and group 2 status hasn't come easy. It's taken significant work and is something the club is extremely proud of.

“We are also very thankful for the ongoing support of race sponsor Ladbrokes.”

The series is open to greyhounds whelped on or after January 1, 2022 while maidens are ineligible.

Adding to the allure of this year's event is the fact it is the first time it will be staged on the "new and improved" Nowra track after significant upgrades have taken place recently.

"The track is playing in great order," Midson added.

"We are looking forward to showcasing those improvements to even more participants over the coming weeks."