A HANDY GREYHOUND
A winner at Gawler greyhounds on Tuesday started his racing career in Queensland, before moving to SA last December.
In a 400m non-penalty event, Aston Odious was best away out of the 2 box, to lead from Magical Strike (1) and Alhanna (3). Opening up a 2 length break, Aston Odious was in a good position, but approaching the back turn, Wilby Dusty (5) continued to make up ground. However, Wilby Dusty was only able to hit the front half way in the home straight, going on to win by ¾ of a length over Aston Odious, which was second for June Sharpe of Paralowie. Magical Strike was a further length away to finish third for Des Hockley of Lewiston.
The winning trainer was Garry Pidgeon from Owen, who trains the dog for Chris Reed, the captain of the South Adelaide Soccer Club. Garry was asked if he would train the brindle dog, and accepted the offer as “you can’t knock back a handy dog”. And indeed it is a handy dog, as Wilby Dusty has now won 24 races with 15 placings from 65 career starts, including winning the Bundaberg Cup in 2016. Described by Garry as a “beautiful little dog who gives 100%”, he hopes to have the dog race over the 500m trips soon.
While his owners often buy in performed racers, Garry likes to breed his own stock, and he has a number of pups coming on. With his wife Michaela “doing all the work at home”, Garry said that as a team they were enjoying their involvement with greyhounds.
Cameron Butcher was the only trainer with a double on the day, scoring wins with two of his Meningie based team, Hope’s Beau and Jay’s Ace.
To see greyhound racing at it’s best, racing is conducted at Gawler every Tuesday afternoon and Sunday night, and with an extra meeting night coming up on Thursday 12th October.