2021 JOHN GRAY – REVIEW
A wonderful field was assembled for the 26th running of the John Gray Grade 5 feature final at Angle Park last night run in pleasant conditions. There were plenty of chances as they went to the boxes with last week’s heat winners Zipping Sullivan for Tim Aloisi, Diorite Fire for Ben Rawlings, Classic McLaren for Tania Foster and Lily Pad for Lisa Rasmussen all strongly favoured to run well.
As the start was affected for the feature Ebby Cruiser began well for Rob Harnas from the inside box along with Diorite Fire out of the 2 and they were quickly challenged at the winning post on the first occasion by Zipping Sullivan who loomed ominously. Lily Pad also began well and charged forward from box 5 while Classic McLaren was slowly away and positioned himself at the tail of the field early. Leaving the front straight and Zipping Sullivan accelerated quickly to run to the front with Lily Pad in hot pursuit as they headed to the back straight. With interference on the first turn Classic McLaren railed strongly to move to third with Canya Go Wild for Paul Bodsworth into fourth while the remainder of the field looked to have lost their winning chance.
Off the back straight and Zipping Sullivan had opened up a comfortable lead and looked to be doing it easy while Lily Pad, Classic McLaren and Canya Go Wild tried hard to stay in touch. Into the front straight and down to the winning post Zipping Sullivan was in no danger and went on to win impressively by 3 lengths in a brilliant 29.93 for the 515m journey with Lily Pad holding of the fast finishing Classic McLaren for second.
Zipping Sullivan has now won 22 races from his 47 starts including 15 minor placings and prizemoney just over $78,000.
This race was introduced in recognition of one of the icons of South Australian greyhound racing, John Gray. John was a great supporter of South Australian greyhound racing, and his family continues a hands-on association with the industry today. This race has been graciously supported over a long period by the Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club.
Further Information:
Shaun Mathieson,
(08) 8243 7100, Racing Manager, Greyhound Racing SA