Griffiths gunning for Cup glory.
Few trainers in South Australia have enjoyed the success which Ashlee Griffiths has enjoyed across 2023. Having already taken out the Murray Bridge Straight Track Cup and made the National Straight Track Final with Cash On Delivery while also claiming the SA Distance Championship with Zipping Patch.
Now the young trainer is hoping to continue her excellent year with Adhana Rico set to contest the Group 1 2023 TAB Adelaide Cup.
It was an emotional night Thursday after Adhana Rico won its heat beating hot fancies Amron Boy and Weblec Wolf with Griffiths embracing her partner Cameron Forshaw post-race and Griffiths said it was an unexpected thrill to make an Adelaide Cup final.
“I never actually expected to be in an Adelaide Cup. I was definitely very shocked and emotional after the race,” Griffiths said.
“It was a really strong heat and a really awkward draw, but it was able to put itself into the race.”
“We weren’t too happy when the draw came out, we definitely wanted the rail but he actually worked well from box 8 and stayed out and I think that’s what won him the race.”
The newest addition to the Griffiths kennel, Adhana Rico came with strong interstate form an piqued the interest of Griffiths and her partner Forshaw.
“We heard he was for sale and then my partner (Forshaw) actually just offered a price and then we ended up picking him up when we went over for the Nationals and we picked him up on the way home,” Griffiths said.
“Cameron and I, we have only been doing it for maybe two years together and we met through the dogs a few years ago.
“So, it is really good that we can do it together now and we have got our own property and set up so it is exciting.”
Griffiths has been involved in the greyhound industry since a young age and her background has helped her quickly rise to being one of the state’s up and coming trainers.
“My mum got into the dogs when I was five and started working for Peter Giles later and then I used to go out one day n the school holidays and just help her and learn about it,” Griffiths said.
“We then started training at hers and so I have always sort of been involved with them and it was only recently that I started more solo training on my own.”
Griffiths has had a fantastic year with Cash On Delivery enjoying straight track success and threatening the Gawler track record while also claiming the SA Distance Championship.
“Yeah, I've had a really good year this year,” Griffiths said. Didn't expect any of it but we've just had some good dogs come through and they've just been at their prime right at these races.”
Since coming over from interstate, Adhana Rico has had only three race starts at Angle Park including last week’s heat and Griffiths said he would continue to improve on his new home track.
“So that was only his actual fourth look, he's only had one trial,” Griffiths said of Adhana Rico.
“We were happy with his first start in SA, it was a slow time, but he got that many checks in the run and then he improved in his time again. The week after, he didn't win but improved and then going into the heat he just was more comfortable on the track, so I think he's getting used to it.”
While the draw poses a challenge again with Adhana Rico drawing the pink rug yet again, Griffiths is still hoping it will be able to claim Adelaide Cup glory.
“Yes, definitely dreaming about it now and it's so close but I'd never thought of winning one beforehand,” Griffiths said.
“He's definitely going to struggle being out wide, he wants the rail, but we're just hoping if he stays out wide and there might be a bit of bother, he can just swoop around them.