How many greyhounds reach 100 starts, let alone win at this milestone?
Well, race centenarian Rave On celebrated his ‘ton’ in style with victory in a Free For All (410m) at Horsham on Tuesday.
Bred, owned and trained by Jennifer Torr at Myers Flat, Rave On notched his 30th win. It was also his third win on the trot, and seventh win from 21 starts over Horsham’s 410m trip.
And it was no mean feat as Rave On ($4.20) mowed down track specialist Jar Man ($2.60F) – a winner of 20 races from 37 starts at Horsham – by .07L in 23.53sec. (Amazingly, Jar Man, who has won a total of 41 races, was contesting his 87th start.)
“Funnily enough, I reckon he’s in career best form… And his confidence is at an all-time high,” Jennifer said.
No one would dispute that as it’s the first time Rave On has registered three straight wins – albeit he’s won successive races on six occasions.
And retirement is not on the radar for this seasoned, but still spritely, speedster.
“He’s a good all-rounder… He’ll tell us when he’s had enough,” Jennifer said.
“Every now and then he lets you know he’s a bit tired. But after a couple of weeks off, he comes back as fresh as a daisy.”
Affectionately dubbed “Jack”, Rave On was “spoilt rotten as a pup” and “loved a cuddle”.
“He was a bit of a soft touch in his younger days, but he has a strong will to win on the racetrack,” Jennifer added.
Rave On (Feb ’16 Our Toyman x Chardonnay Doll) is almost four-and-half years old – and is eligible for Veteran class – but is racing with the zest of greyhounds half his age.
He was also the unofficial mascot at Eaglehawk North Primary School until Jennifer’s grand-daughter Ava, 13, finished Grade 6 last year.
“Ava adores him; they’ve always shared a special bond,” Jennifer said. “She’s going to take him home when he finally retires.”
So, what’s the secret to Rave On’s racetrack longevity?
“We’ve kept him happy and healthy… Touch wood, he’s been relatively sound during his career,” Jennifer said.
“Every now and then he lets you know he’s a bit tired. But after a couple of weeks off, he comes back as fresh as a daisy.”
Pawnote: Jennifer is a long-time fan of American musician and singer-songwriter Buddy Holly, who died aged 22 in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. Named after one of his songs, Rave On – like Buddy Holly – keeps on giving Jennifer “a crazy feelin’”.
WATCH: Rave On (2) flies home in start number 100, overhauling the brilliant Jar Man (5) with a huge run in Free For All class over 410m at Horsham on Tuesday.
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