2020 VICTORIAN GREYHOUND AWARDS

Injection of prize money funds into regional Victoria

The GRV board has signed off an additional $2.84 million Ms Duncan said this announcement would further strengthen annually which will be directed into prize money throughout Victorian greyhound racing’s future as a world leader in the Victoria from 1 October, GRV Chair Peita Duncan has sport. announced. “GRV is committed to increasing returns to participants “This increase, along with three extra race meetings which across all levels of racing,” Ms Duncan said. we have already introduced, will see returns to participants of more than $52 million across the year and more investment into regional Victoria,” Ms Duncan said. “Having increased Tier 3 by $1.37 million (21.6 percent) since November 2017 we will again review Tier 3 in 2021.” “Such an investment not only assists all our participants but Vic Provincial Base Prizemoney ($) Current New also has a flow-on effect into businesses throughout regional Open Victoria where many of our participants work and live. 1st 1,650 1,900 “We have 13 tracks across Victoria with 11 of these being in 2nd 475 550 the regions. We employ more than 15,000 people – with most regionally based. At a time when we all need to come 3rd 235 275 together as a wider community, we know this increase in Total 2,360 2,725 prize money will have a positive impact across the state.” Mixed 4/5 Ms Duncan added that the increase was aimed at grassroots 1st 1,405 1,750 provisional racing which holds key broadcasting slots in 2nd 400 500 our weekly program, and which provides the pathway to 3rd 200 250 Metropolitan racing. Total 2,005 2,500 Total prize money for each Provincial Open race will rise to $2,725, Mixed 4/5 races will increase to $2,500, Grades 5-7 will go up to $2,360 and Maidens will be worth $2,005. Grades 5,6,7 1st 1,405 1,650 “This will significantly benefit greyhounds who are starting 2nd 400 475 their racing career and support more participants to race at 3rd 200 235 Provincial Level 2 instead of Tier 3 racing,” Ms Duncan said. Total 2,005 2,360 “Saturday twilight meetings have also been upgraded from Maiden Tier 3 to Provincial Level 2 meetings. 1st 1,325 1,405 “Increasing Mixed 4/5 prizemoney will also deliver more 2nd 375 400 returns for owners and trainers when their greyhounds are 3rd 190 200 selected to compete in higher graded races.” Total 1,890 2,005

Group 3 Top Cat Video Cup (725m)

THE MEADOWS, 26 SEPTEMBER

1st TORNADO TEARS

Breeding: Male Feb ’16 Fernando Bale x Tears Siam Breeder: Michael Ivers, Somersby NSW Owner: Millmi syndicate (Camilla Limon), Wongarbon NSW Trainer: Robert Britton, Lara VIC First prize: $25,000 Odds: $12.20 Time: 42.67sec (Best) Margin: 1.1L 2nd: Houdini Boy 3rd: Jayville Slick How the race was won: The ageless staying king came away well from Box 6 and was third with a lap to travel. “Batman” railed through to hit the lead rounding the circle and then held off a withering burst from distance debutant – and social media sensation – Houdini Boy ($1.80F) to score by just over one length, with bolter Jayville Slick ($59.20) around a further four lengths away third. A five-time G1 winner, Tornado Tears recorded his 33rd win from 65 starts – and his first victory since late January. It was also his eighth win from 12 starts over 725m at The Meadows. His stakes jumped to a staggering $922,635.

Group 3 TAB Healesville Cup (350m)

HEALESVILLE, 6 SEPTEMBER

1st ZAMBORA LOU

Breeding: Male Apr ’18 Zambora Brockie x Zambora Cross Breeder/Owner: Charlie Azzopardi, Leppington NSW Trainer: Jason Thompson, Pearcedale VIC First prize: $47,000 Odds: $3.20 Time: 18.98sec Margin: 0.9L 2nd: Paua Of Oscar 3rd: Aston Pilsner How the race was won: Led throughout from Box 1 and staved off the fast-finishing Paua Of Oscar ($6.50) by just under one length, with outsider Aston Pilsner ($25.50) around a further two and a half lengths away third. It was Zambora Lou’s 13th win from 22 starts – and his fifth win from his past eight starts. His stakes spiralled to $76,925.

Group 3 Speed Star (725m)

THE MEADOWS, 16 SEPTEMBER

1st SUNSET BOURBSKI

Breeding: Female June ’18 Fernando Bale x Bourbski Fever Owner: L yne Davidson syndicate (Jason Lyne), Orange NSW Breeder: R oss Davidson, Wallerawang NSW Trainer: Andrea Dailly , Anakie VIC First prize: $15,000 Odds: $1.90F Time: 42.44sec (Best) Margin: 1. 71L 2nd: Here’s Tears 3rd: K eefe How the race was won: Staying revelation Sunset Bourbski won her match-race over Rock On Jimmy by 6.25L and clocked the fastest individual time of 42.44sec. It was 1.7L quicker than Here’s Tears ($3.50) who posted the second fastest overall time of 42.56sec, followed by Keefe ($34.90) in 42.60sec. Sunset Bourbski registered her 11th win from 31 starts. She was runner-up in the G3 The Fireball (725m) at The Meadows in July.

Group 3 Speed Star (600m)

THE MEADOWS, 16 SEPTEMBER

1st HOUDINI BOY

Breeding: Male March ’18 Zambora Brockie x P echey Owner: Mark Ruff , Diggers Rest VIC Breeder/Trainer: K elvyn Greenough, Pearcedale VIC First prize: $15,000 Odds: $1.60F Time: 33.97sec (Best) Margin: 3.47L 2nd: Enter The Son 3rd: Mepunga Maggie How the race was won: Social media sensation Houdini Boy won his head-to-head with Run Like Jess by 8.75L and posted the fastest overall time of 33.97sec. It was almost 3.5L quicker than Enter The Son ($8.90) who clocked the second fastest individual time of 34.21sec, followed by Mepunga Maggie ($18.60) in 34.36sec. Houdini Boy, who has gained popularity as a last-to-first ‘escape artist’, registered his ninth win from 18 starts. He was a finalist in the G1 Vic Peters Classic (520m) at Wentworth Park in July.

Group 3 Speed Star (525m)

THE MEADOWS, 16 SEPTEMBER

1st CHRISTO BALE

Breeding: Male January ’18 Barcia Bale x Houston Bale Breeder: Paul Wheeler, Boorowa NSW Owner: Brendan Wheeler, Murringo NSW Trainer: Mark Delbridge, Balliang VIC First prize: $15,000 Odds: $4.60 Time: 29.61sec (Best) Margin: 0.01L 2nd: Catch The Thief 3rd: Aston Wizard How the race was won: In an enthralling match-race, Christo Bale landed a last-stride victory over series favourite Catch The Thief ($1.60) in 29.61sec. Subsequently, both posted the fastest and second fastest overall times from the four head-to-head events. Aston Wizard ($23.90) finished third on individual times recorded courtesy of his 29.65sec one-onone win. A dual G1 finalist, Christo Bale notched his 16th win from 34 starts – and his sixth win from his past 10 starts. He won the G2 McKenna Memorial (595m) at Sandown in July.

Christo Bale moments before getting the better of Catch The Thief

THE WORLD’S GREATEST GREYHOUND RACE FRIDAY NOV 27, 2020

HEATS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20

PRELUDES THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 THURSDAY OCTOBER 29 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12

EIGHTFINALS AND $1M IN TOTAL PRIZEMONEYON CUPNIGHT

Simon Told Helen with trainer David Burnett

Simon Told Helen wins GCA Greyhound of the Year

BY ANDREW COPLEY Victorian superstar Simon Told Helen is the Greyhound Clubs Others to be recognised as part of the annual GCA Awards, Australia Greyhound of the Year for 2019-20. which was a ‘virtual’ production held on 20 September, were: The David Burnett-trained sprinter received the award ■ Greyhound of the Y ear finalist: Sennachie (VIC) following a season in which he amassed six group wins including three at Group 1 level. ■ Greyhound of the Year finalist: Whiskey Riot (VIC) After making a name for himself when eclipsing litter brother ■ Sire of the Y ear: Fernando Bale (VIC) Who Told Stevie in the 2019 TAB Great Chase Grand Final, ■ Dam of the Y ear: Ready To Riot (NSW) Simon Told Helen’s three Group 1 wins came in the Silver Chief, the Perth Cup and the Harrison-Dawson. ■ Run of the Y ear: Hooked On Scotch (VIC) Simon Told Helen has since won a fourth Group 1 when ■ Denise Fysh Award: Frank & Tracey Hurst (NSW) taking out the Maturity Classic in the current racing season. ■ Trainer of the Year: Anthony Azzopardi (VIC)

Racecaller reflects on introduction to coursing

BY VICTORIA SHAW In late January this year, I had the pleasure of hosting The meetings that I attended at Lang Lang were not the National Coursing Association of Victoria’s Awards entirely unscathed by coronavirus protocols. The lack of an for 2019. A great night was had by all, award recipients, audience was perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the friends and family of coursing participants, volunteers and pandemic’s impact on coursing meetings, in particular for industry partakers alike all enjoyed a great opportunity to get those that take such pride in their beautiful dogs. together while delighting in a great evening of greyhound racing at Sandown Park. One enormously positive aspect However, not long after the awards night our lives were of each coursing meeting that turned upside down. I attended, became obvious to COVID-19 impacted our immediate community and our entire me - how much the greyhounds nation in a way that none of us could have ever envisaged. Yet, despite being the most disruptive occurrence thrust loved their coursing! upon Australian life since World War Two, the coronavirus As I watched the greyhounds being presented to the slipper also gave great reason for the greyhound racing community in readiness to course, the alacrity that so many of the to soldier on. With administrative measures quickly put into animals displayed throughout each meeting was a delight place, greyhound racing continues to provide something for to witness. With so many greyhounds wagging their tails both the greyhound community and its fans to look forward with enthusiasm at the prospect of being set to pair off in to, including the coursing season for 2020. the chase, the obvious joy of what the dogs were about to At the time of the NCAV awards, I was certainly not embark on transcended any lock down depression. expecting to be involved in the 2020 coursing season, but Congratulations to trainer Adele Powell and her kennel with delighted surprise, I received the call to broadcast staff for their efforts in preparing Making Gravy, the victor of several coursing meetings at Lang Lang, including the 2020 the 2020 Waterloo Cup, and all involved in running of this Waterloo Cup. It has always been a pleasure to host the wonderful event, which has been in existence for 147 years. NCAV awards, however without the first-hand experience of coursing made me feel that my input was somewhat deficient.