Continuing The Perfect Score
It seemed like a spring day at Gawler on Friday afternoon, where 400m track specialist Black Kruger keeps his unbroken winning score intact with another convincing win, to make it nine wins from nine starts there.
In the Free For All event, Black Kruger jumped from box 8 on even terms with Long Gully Boy (7), but then went to a handy break over the field, to go to the line unchallenged, with a margin of 4 ½ lengths. Running a smart 22.55 secs for the race, Black Kruger equaled his best time and made the task difficult for the others, including Long Gully Boy, which finished second for Paula Hearnden of Angaston and Emerley Hummer, third for Vadim Roz of Moppa .
Black Kruger is trained by Paul Bodsworth at Rhynie in the Clare Valley, for Mildura owner Bronwyn Welsh of Mildura. With COVID-19 restrictions affecting Bronwyn’s ability to be at the track in SA, she has had to watch via digital means, but Paul said she was “over the moon” with the dog’s record.
Bred in Mildura, Black Kruger originally raced in Victoria, and after early success there, he sustained an injury. The breeder put Bronwyn in touch with Paul, and Black Kruger was then placed in his care. The move paid off and the dog had its first start after a five-month break, to win first-up at Gawler in December 19. While he has won at other SA tracks, it is at Gawler over the 400m trip that Black Kruger has excelled. Paul said that he is an excitable type of dog, and so the shorter travelling time to Gawler is a positive factor, and the dog feels comfortable there. It appears that this circuit appeals to his racing style as well.
Paul is a strong believer that a “happy dog will perform”, and he and the family spend considerable time with Black Kruger and their other dogs to achieve that aim. With nine pups, ranging from young to ready to be educated pups, plus a retiree, Paul is grateful for the help he receives from other family members. Paul loves the sport and particularly working with pups. And as for Black Kruger, he will have a couple of weeks off, with Paul looking to step him up to the 500m distance.
Racing is back at Gawler with the public able to attend, with COVID-19 safety in place, so join us for great racing every Friday and Tuesday afternoons.