Gawler Greyhounds Review
It was another great night of racing at Gawler greyhounds on Sunday, which was enjoyed by the good crowd present.
Two races on the program were won by the narrow margin of just a neck. The first of these came in Race 5, a Grade 6 event over the 531m journey, which saw Misaffection from box 4 narrowly lead a bunched field at the first turn, with plenty of jostling occurring going around the corner. It was at this point that Zetland County(2) was able to take the lead, and kicked away to a handy three length break over Misaffection. Rounding the back turn, Misaffection started to make up ground on the leader. Zetland County still had the lead, but Misaffection made it a very interesting finish in the straight, going down by just the neck margin to Zetland County. Misaffection finished second for trainer Neil Mann of Kalbeeba, and Iron Eyes Punk (6) made up a lot of ground after being at the rear, to finish third for Kiah Hurley of Lewiston.
Zetland County is owned and trained by Raye Kelly of Lewiston. Raye recently purchased the dog locally, when she was looking for another dog to add to her kennel while waiting for a litter of pups to mature. She said the dog was in beautiful condition and has a beautiful in nature, so fitted in well. Zetland County hasn’t the greatest racing record, which Raye put down to his trait of not liking dogs racing on his outside, preferring to then drop back and then go around the field. However in recent starts he seems to have developed more confidence and can now hold his position in the field. 2021 has been good to him, as from seven starts he has been placed in every run, including two wins.
Raye has only the two racing dogs in her kennel at the moment, but has a litter of seven, nine month old pups that she is looking forward to working with. Raye is no stranger to having success, and said that the pride of the kennel was Gun McBain, who at eight years of age, still holds the Australian record for TAB winners. He amassed an amazing 68 wins and 55 placings from 168 starts, including a win in the 2015 Gawler Gold Cup. Raye’s husband Allen is very supportive of her hobby, an interest which Raye says gives you a good reason to get up each day and love what you are doing.
Two trainers, Shelley Trengrove and Ray Murray both scored a double on the night. Shelley won with Maiden runner Howling Hoss in race 1, following up with Hold On, in a Grade 6 531m event.
Ray however found his two winners in the final two events of the night. In race 11, Ray’s runner Air Marshall, continued his good return to form in the Mixed Grade 2/3/4, with a very fast win in 22.66 secs, and in the final race, Springvale Arge proved too strong at the finish to take out the 643m stayer’s event.
Racing is at Gawler every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday night, and everyone is welcome at the track to enjoy great racing. Sunday night meals are very popular, so please book with the Club on 8522-2935.
Picture: Raye Kelly with Zetland County
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography