By Michael Guerin Trainer Adrienne Matthews is in for a record night at Alexandra Park this evening. And why that doesn’t mean she will train a winner the fact she has seven starters at the second Auckland meeting of harness racing’s comeback is a huge feat in its self. “I have had seven starters at a Manawatu meeting once but never at Alexandra Park,” says the Glenbrook horsewoman. “That is a lot of starters at a meeting up here for us so I am looking forward to it. But to…
Month: June 2020
Like a Rolling Stone
It was a Vic Bred Maiden Final at Ballarat on June 3 that turned the emotions of trainer Karen Pitt. Somewhat affected by the recent passing of Karen Leek and ‘dear friend’ Tony McGrath, Pitt’s 20-month-old dog Rolling Stone gave her good reason to smile again when making it two from two to start off his career. “It certainly put life in perspective,” Karen said of the loss of two industry legends. Having bred, owned and trained Rolling Stone, it was impossible not to be delighted by her greyhound’s emphatic…
Dr Ray Ferguson OAM: Dispelling myth with science
Veterinarian Dr Ray Ferguson is a well-known figure in the greyhound industry, with a justified reputation for positive achievements for racing dogs. Last week his dedication to Veterinary Science was recognised with a Queen’s Birthday honour, the Order of Australia Medal. Speaking with Molly Haines on RSN’s Off The Leash program, Ray said the award means a lot to him, and also to a particular team he’s very invested in – the Australian Greyhound, Working and Sporting Dog Veterinarians (AGWSDV). “The group which works under the umbrella of the Australian…
Gold Rush series unearths future stars yet again
The 2020 Gold Rush maiden series may have been delayed due to COVID-19, but the series has still proven to be a race to unearth exciting sprinting prospects with several outstanding performances in the heats at Bendigo on Saturday evening. Fastest qualifier Music Event is the only runner in next Friday night’s rich final that had previous race experience coming into the series having had two starts as a youngster at Bathurst in March before shifting to the Kialla kennel of Michael Carter. Music Event exploded from the boxes posting…
Who Told Stevie back, meets Simon Told Helen
It might not have been part of trainer David Burnett’s original plans, but greyhound racing fans are in for a treat on Thursday night when Who Told Stevie meets his litter brother – and Australia’s highest ranked sprinter – Simon Told Helen.
Veterans find ‘fountain of youth’
Eight ageless sprinters will line up in a high-quality Veteran S/E (390m) at Ballarat on Wednesday night. The octet includes some of the best of their genre who seem to be getting better with age. It promises to be a timeless classic! Amazingly, the field boasts a cumulative total of 600 starts for 217 wins. Rising five-year-old Wilbur Deeds is the oldest (whelped Aug ’15) and most ‘seasoned’ (104 starts) of this enduring group. Trained at Koroit by retired bricklayer Garry Anders, Wilbur Deeds has built an honest record of…
Catch The Thief lands back in Victoria
He’s finally home! Greyhound racing’s newest pin-up boy Catch The Thief landed back in Victoria today following a sensational stint in Perth of five consecutive wins including two feature finals – the G2 WA Derby and Winter Cup. Trainer Matt Clark and partner Bianca could barely contain their excitement when greeting their superstar at Melbourne Airport, having had to watch from the other side of the country as Catch The Thief took all before him at Cannington. His string of Perth victories included a stunning 29.32sec gallop in the Derby…
Karen Leek funeral to be streamed
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Karen Dawn Leek will be held on Tuesday 23 June at 2pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this service is by invitation only, however it will be live streamed. The greyhound racing community has been devastated by the shock news of Karen’s passing at age 69. Karen was one of the most respected people in our sport, widely recognised for her success as a breeder, rearer and trainer. People wishing to view the service are advised to click on the link below at…
Steve White to reveal what it’s like to train a champion
One of Australia’s most decorated greyhound trainers, Steve White, will make a guest appearance on Midweek Meadows tomorrow. White guided Paua To Burn to four Group 1 victories in the mid-2000s before moving from NSW to Victoria, where he has taken all before him with greyhounds including Tauwitchere and reigning Maturity Classic winner, Sennachie. Also on tomorrow’s program will be young trainer Correy Grenfell, who’ll reveal his plans for his superstar Tiggerlong Tonk, along with race calling guru, James Van de Maat with some inside mail and a recap of…
Poutama pumped ahead of Cambridge
By Josh Smith – Harness News Desk South Auckland trainer Andre Poutama is hoping The Batmobile can go one better than last start when he contests the Welcome Back On Course Mobile Pace (1700m) at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday. The four-year-old gelding finished runner-up behind Vespa over 1700m at Cambridge a fortnight ago and it will be take two on Thursday, with amateur driver Frank Phelan once again taking the reins. “He should have improved from his first run back,” Poutama said. “To be able to sit parked and do…