Gawler celebrates 50 years of racing
Sunday night at Gawler greyhounds was a unique night in many ways. It was a celebration of 50 years of greyhound racing at the track with a special Anniversary Cup race, and it was also the running of the prestigious Gawler Produce Final.
In the 50th Anniversary Cup race, See You Smile from box 1, was near the lead into the first corner, but then was able to break clear of the field and set up a handy four length buffer over her rivals. See You Smile maintained that margin by running a good time of 30.84 secs to win for Ben Rawlings of Lewiston, with Two Hands George second for Tim Richards of Meningie, and Zipping Sultan third for Ken Gill of Lewiston.
The Gawler Produce looked a tricky race on paper, with plenty of chances, including four runners from the same litter from the Rasmussen kennel. Spring Lilac was away the best from box 1, but was headed at the first turn by Gemtree Maximus (5), which quickly established a three length break and appeared to be going well. However nearing the back turn, Gemtree Maximus started to lose ground, and entering the straight, Spring Lilac took the lead, only to be overtaken by Victa Haydn (3) as they neared the line. Victa Haydn won by just over a length in the time of 30.93 secs, with Spring Lilac second for Vadim Roz of Lewiston and Victa Grosso (6) in third spot.
Photo: 'Victa Haydn' crosses the line to win the race of the night.
Victa Haydn and Victa Grosso are from the same litter and are trained by Tony Rasmussen for the My Four Girls Syndicate, managed by Kerry Braun. Another of the litter, Victa Daryl ran fourth for connections, but the success on the night did not finish there for the “Victa” team. In an earlier race on the program, the Produce Consolation, they provided the first four placegetters, also from this remarkable litter. That litter which consisted of 12 pups, has had 10 individual winners, with another two yet to race. They were bred by Ron and Joan Schadow of Victor Harbor, and are owned by their daughters.
Ron described the result as “just beautiful” and was a happy man after being connected with his first win in the Produce. He said that the bloodline of this litter from Victa Victoria, which had started with a racing female named Teelah that he had purchased, was excellent and produced very good natured pups.
Photo: Bob and Joan Shadow with 'Victa Haydn', last night's victor of the 2021 Gawler Produce Final.
Ron who has been in the sport for a long time, and can remember his first winner at Barmera back in 1975, was very complimentary of Tony and Lisa Rasmussen for their rearing and training of the litter, from eight months of age. It is a family affair with the Schadows, with plenty of help coming not only from their daughters, but also grandchildren Braydn and Brodie Hondow who did a lot of the early lead training with the litter. They both also recognised the whole team approach that has gone into the rearing and training, which has made the litter the success it has.
Ron commented that he has three more litters aged from three to five months being reared at the moment, and with the current litter just starting out their racing career on such a great note, the family should have plenty of success and enjoyment over the next few years.
Photo: 'Victa Haydn' stands proud on the podium alongside trainers, owners and GRSA dignitaries.
It is a busy racing schedule at Gawler this week, with racing on Friday afternoon, an extra meeting early on Saturday morning, Sunday night and then Tuesday afternoon. Catering is available at each meeting, and if you are looking to have a meal on our popular Sunday night, please book with the Club on 8522 2935.
Photo credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography