Famous name wins at Gawler

Young trainer Ben Rawlings has produced many winners at Gawler and he added to his tally with another winner on Tuesday.

 

In the Gawler Farm Machinery Stake over 531m, Jack and Lolli jumped well to lead out of box 5, from Kennington Oval (2) and Wrex Bale (3). Jack and Lolli got out to a three length break and was travelling well. However Kennington Oval started to make ground and by the time they had reached the back turn, Kennington Oval was on equal terms with Jack and Lolli, with Wrex Bale on the outside and Allen Gordy (4) on the inside, both  looking to stake their claims.

 

However in the run to the line, Kennington Oval was able to win strongly by ¾ length in a handy time of 30.80 secs. Allen Gordy made up many lengths to finish second for Lisa Rasmussen of Murray Bridge, with Wrex Bale running third for Wendy Matcott also of Murray Bridge. 

 

The winner, a black dog out of High Earner and Una’s Pride, is trained at Lewiston by Ben Rawlings for owner Peter Butterfield. There was obviously a cricket lover in the original ownership as Kennington Oval is named after the famous oval which amongst other claims to fame, was the site in England of the first cricket Test match against Australia. 

 

Now a four year old, Kennington Oval originally raced in Queensland and transferred to SA in May last year. Since being in Ben’s care, Kennington Oval has scored 8 wins and had numerous placings, and has been a consistent performer in a long career of 93 starts, winning 13 races and being placed 30 times.

Ben can trace his greyhound interest through his parent’s and uncle’s family and back to his grand parents in Whyalla, so he has plenty of knowledge and experience to draw on.  Ben was joined on race day by friend Charlotte Juhasz, who is no stranger to greyhounds as she works in a veterinary practice. 

 

Lisa Rasmussen led in the only double for the day with Allen Barry and Noren Bale both winning. Lisa’s husband Tony added to the tally when reserve runner Nathaniel Bale got a start to win in a very fast 22.63 secs over the 400m. On that form, Nathaniel Bale won’t be a reserve again for some time yet.

 

With the Gawler Show on this weekend, racing at Gawler has been transferred, but will resume on Sunday 7th September (twilight).