An Outstanding SA Anniversary Cup at Gawler
With the Gawler Club hosting additional races while the Angle Park is undergoing a major upgrade, it is providing the opportunity for some different feature events to be run there.
One of those was the SA Anniversary Cup, which attracted an excellent field on Sunday night. Heats were run last week, with the best performing runners making it through to the Final. With such a speedy field engaged, it was no surprise that four greyhounds were in line across the track as they turned out of the straight the first time.
Zipping Sultan from box 4 charged to the front, with Jack’s Well (5) following closely behind.The two dogs then got right away from the rest of the field, and had the race between them. Zipping Sultan held a lead of about two lengths as they raced down the back, but Jack’s Well was slowly narrowing the gap. Entering the home straight, Zipping Sultan still lead by a length, but Jack’s Well kept trying, and in a tight finish, got up on the line to win by a head. Zipping Sultan was second for Ken Gill of Lewiston, and Spring Vinnie (8) ran into third position for Greg Board of Murray Bridge.
Jack’s Well is trained at Meningie by Cameron Butcher, and is raced in partnership with his wife, Yvonne. The Butchers are well known for their ability to produce good dogs on the track, and have established a sensational breeding line. Jack’s Well is from a litter from their racing dam Molly Be Nimble, which was bred in partnership with fellow Meningie trainer, Tim Richards. The litter of eight was shared between them, with all dogs making it to the track.
Jack’s Well has been an outstanding performer, with 21 wins and 11 placings from just 37 starts. At one stage earlier this year, “Buster” recorded 11 wins from 12 starts. The previous litter from Molly Be Nimble produced Coorong Lucy which was the2020 SA Sprinting Greyhound of the year. Yvonne explained that the name of the brindle dog came from an old well that was located on their property, and she had thought that someday it would be a good name for one of their dogs.
It is a bit of a drive from Meningie to race at most tracks, so you have to like what you are doing. Cameron and Yvonne both like the thrill of “getting that good dog”, but they enjoy the dogs themselves, considering them to be part of the family, and putting a smile on their face. There would be a bit extra to smile about on the way home this time.
The racing schedule at Gawler for this week is Friday afternoon, Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon. If you are looking to have a meal on a Sunday night, please book with the Club on 8522 2935.
L to R; Shaun Mathieson (GRSA Racing manager), Mike Wittholz (Gawler GRC Chairman), Cameron Butcher, Bob Mau (GGRC Secretary) Yvonne Butcher and Jack’s Well
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Greyhound Photography