Gawler Stayers Cup!
Friday’s greyhound racing at Gawler featured the Final of the Gawler Stayers Cup, after two Heats had been run on Gold Cup night.
The 643m distance race saw Angry Trip from box 1 and Spring Cobra (7) on even terms as they hit the straight the first time around. Spring Cobra was able to get to the front as they swept out of the straight, with Toora Ziggy (2) starting to run into the picture. Spring Cobra was able to establish a three length break over Angry Trip down the back straight, but as the race unfolded, Angry Trip steadily made up ground on the leader. In an exciting run to the line, Angry Trip hit the front with 20 metres to go, winning by just under a length. Spring Cobra was second for Greg Board of Murray Bridge, with Toora Ziggy third for Laurie Cahalan of Grange.
Angry Trip is a red brindle dog, and is owned and trained by Bec Romyn at Two Wells. In an uncommon circumstance, Bec bought the dog after he had been named, but before he had raced. Bec said that he was a bit on the slow side at the start of his races, but she thought he would show promise over the longer journeys. Bec’s judgement was spot on, as in 71 starts, Angry Trip has only won twice in races less that 600m, but has won six over 600m and four over 700m.
Bec, along with daughter Ashlee and son Jakob, made the move to SA from Moe in Victoria in response to an opportunity that arose here. She is pleased with the move, and is enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere in SA. Being a newcomer is not always easy to fit in, but she has found that everyone helps out at every level. She likes the SA initiative of G-Six racing with most races having 6 dog fields, and also the lure used at some tracks in SA. Her favourite enjoyment is to see the first race start of her dogs, as there is that moment when the dog’s and trainer’s ability is first put to the test. With about 40 dogs in work, Bec has plenty on her hands, but is looking to start breeding, first off on a cooperative basis. Bec has an ambition to win a race that includes a rug in the prizes, as that signifies a major or revered event.
Every trainer has their own way of looking after their team, and in Bec’s case every dog, win or lose, gets a burger and a strawberry thickshake to have on the way home from a race meeting. Now that’s something different.
