Family Ties
FAMILY TIES
Greyhound racing often has a lot of family members involved and there was a good example at Gawler on Tuesday afternoon.
In the Gawler South Bakery Open Maiden over 531m, as they headed for the post the first time, Dyna Folly (2) just led from Dats For Sure (5) and Shaffira Rose (6). Shortly after there was a jam up, with four runners being involved in the interference, leaving the other four to scoot away.
Down the back straight, Dyna Folly with Dats For Sure close on it’s outside, just led from Rebel Kist tucked in behind. Rebel Kist did itself no favours when it galloped off the heels of the greyhounds in front, and looked to have cost itself any chance. However it quickly got balanced again and went for a rails run.
Rebel Kist easily got to the front and continued it’s strong run to win in 31.98 secs, with a 2 length margin. Homer Allen (7), which was one of the greyhounds affected on the first turn, came home strongly to nab second place, with Dyna Folly finishing third, both for Wendy Matcott of Murray Bridge.
Two Wells trainer Peter Hurley prepares Rebel Kist for wife Judi and family members John and Kathy Hurley. Rebel Kist was having only his second race start and is from the former SA great race dog Satanic Cash, from the Hurley’s bitch Ivory Kist. Also from that litter is Golden Kist who was in the same race, but got caught up in the interference. John was a little surprised by Rebel winning as he didn’t know if he could run the distance, but Kathy was more confident, although she had expected Golden Kist to perform the better on the day. All of the greyhounds that the Hurley’s co-own are named “Kist”, a family name that they have continued.
While Peter and Judi operate the kennels and a public trialling facility, John and Kathy are always helping out at just about every race meeting. So to put in that much effort, there has to be some reason. According to Kathy, they enjoy the whole experience of racing, which includes the social side. John and Kathy’s grand children, Kiah, Jasmyn and Jayde are also regulars at the track, helping out other trainers as well.
Among the other trainers that the Hurleys assist is Wendy Matcott, who was the only trainer to score a double. Her winners were Vintage Star and Dyna Wally.
The schedule of racing at Gawler in December, is every Tuesday, with meetings on Christmas Eve (afternoon) and New Year’s Eve (afternoon), so if you haven’t been for a while, it is something special to do in the holidays. In addition there is racing on Friday 27th (afternoon).