Month: May 2020

Gr8 expectations!

Editor BOAY

A brand-new initiative, the Gr8 Eight series is only in its infancy but already the concept is generating Group 1-like fields. Mister Harlewood (Sandown, May 7 – 715m) and Rockstar Beav (Sandown, May 14 – 595m) were the first two winners of the 12 x $15,000 Special Events spread across Victoria’s two metropolitan tracks and run over a variety of distances. The Gr8 Eight series is also meeting a dual objective, to allow Victoria’s elite greyhounds to earn greater prizemoney and stimulate interest from racing fans and punters. And Thursday…

The story to read and interview to listen to before tonight’s RSN Sandown Cup

Editor BOAY

Jeff Geall may have the ranked outside in tonight’s RSN Sandown Cup, but that hasn’t dampened his spirits. As the great man Gerry O’Keeffe once said to Jeff, ‘young man, I won the Sandown Cup with Bells are Ringin at 50/1 – anything can happen’. If you know Gerry, you read that quote in Gerry’s voice. Zipping Clifford is that ranked outsider in the Group 1 feature at $34. He is jumping from box three and is a bit of a dag, according to Jeff. Jeff doesn’t just represent all…

Paying tribute: GRV CEO on Karen Leek

Editor BOAY

GRV CEO Alan Clayton has described the late Karen Leek as an ‘exemplary figure’ and a ‘great personality’. In his weekly catch up on 1116 SEN, Mr Clayton paid tribute to Karen, who leaves this world as a trailblazer, and one of the most respected and admired people in the sport. greyhoundracingvic · GRV CEO Alan Clayton’s SEN interview 28.05.2020 RELATED: VALE KAREN LEEK

Grandparents land first ever treble

Editor BOAY

Local trainers dominated proceedings at Shepparton’s historic Saturday morning greyhound race meeting last weekend, and none more so than Tallygaroopna couple Fay and Theo Van Taarling. Seven of the 12 winners were trained locally, including three from the Van Taarling kennel. “This is the first time we’ve trained a treble,” said Theo, pictured above with wife Fay, their six grandchildren and three winners. The couple began training greyhounds in 1974 before hanging up the collar and lead for a 15 year period while putting their kids through school. They then…

‘The Lids Fly’ on Sandown Cup night

Editor BOAY

Jack Heverin and Molly Haines bring you greyhound racing’s exciting new radio show, ‘The Lids Fly’ tonight from 6pm. Enjoy the exciting action from Sandown Park including the G1 RSN Sandown Cup plus a fascinating Gr8 Eight event featuring SIMON TOLD HELEN, JAX BALE and TIGGERLONG TONK. Melbourne listeners can tune into 1377AM from 6pm or click here: https://sen.com.au/listen-live-track

Simon the Gr8

Editor BOAY

It’s quite simple… Triple Group 1 winner Simon Told Helen has reclaimed Australia’s No. 1 sprinter title. The catch-me-if-you-can speedster, with devastating mid-race acceleration, is an excitement machine! He’s a drawcard the sport needs in these troubled times. There was ‘great expectation’ around the Gr8 Eight Special Event (515m) tonight at Sandown – and it delivered in spades. Trained by David Burnett, Simon Told Helen ($1.30F) defeated arch-rival Tiggerlong Tonk ($4.30) fair and square – albeit the margin was a whisker – in a classic contest. G2 Horsham Cup winner…

Front-running tactic beats Sandown Cup field

Editor BOAY

Bronski Beat ($18.20) has won tonight’s Group 1 RSN Sandown Cup (715m) with a stunning all the way performance. The Tasmanian-bred greyhound opened up a huge lead mid-race before being challenged late by True Detective and He Shall Power. It was a watershed win for trainer Brendan Pursell, who is formerly of the Apple Isle. The win continued the Lara trainer’s incredible recent run of long-priced winners, having scored 12 city wins in the past fortnight at an average price of $14.80. Pursell finished third in last year’s Sandown Cup…