SCORPION STRIKES
MacDonald Park trainer Les Bates enjoyed a win at Gawler greyhounds on Sunday night, with Spring Scorpion taking out a 531m event.
Out of box 2, Spring Scorpion, with the advantage of the rails, was able to lead despite an early challenge from Allen Jono (7). Down the back straight, Willing (8) got within a length of Spring Scorpion, but was unable to improve from that point, with Spring Scorpion going on to win by nearly 3 lengths in 31.11 secs. Willing was second for Don Turner, with Bereluke running on for third for Troy Murray, both of Lewiston.
Les trains Spring Scorpion for his mother, Kathleen Bates. Spring Scorpion was one of three greyhounds that she purchased from Greg Board, who has moved from NSW to Murray Bridge. It was by chance that Les introduced himself to Greg prior to his move to SA, that led to the opportunity for Les to purchase the greyhounds.
Les first became involved when he took out a training license at the age of 16, but along the way his circumstances changed, and he took a 20 year break. About three years ago, Les decided to take up a hobby and rekindled his love of greyhounds. He now has five in work and really loves working with the dogs.
Kathleen has always been the owner of their greyhounds and still feeling young at 92, likes to help around the kennel. Les is also fortunate that his partner, Doreen Farrell, has a long association of some 40 years with greyhounds, and loves to help out with the duties. Doreen couldn’t believe it when Spring Scorpion went to the front early in the race, and also when he won. Spring Scorpion took his tally to 6 wins and he also has 24 places to his name from 60 career starts, and tonight’s win meant a lot to the connections. Les put down the win to the better start, and then taking advantage of the inside run. Spring Scorpion had been placed in 600m races recently, and Les felt that had been a good preparation when dropping back into the 500m journey.
Racing continues at Gawler on our normal schedule of Tuesday afternoons and Sunday nights, so please join us for close up racing action and great meals.
