Hayley Chapman Lands Memorable First Winner
Wednesday
On a slightly gloomy afternoon at Gawler, it was the Bronwyn Welsh-trained Rustic Kruger (Hooked On Scotch x Serene Machine) that got things underway, with a fantastic maiden victory. The fawn dog lined up for his second career start after running well at Horsham for his debut run. From box four on Wednesday, he came out on the back foot and quickly found himself behind runners and checking off them, with punters who backed the odds on shot probably a bit nervous at this point. Despite this, he was able to quickly get to the rail and rev up through his gears, before taking the lead up the back straight in great fashion. When he found the front, it was a gap job, as he strolled away to win by 8 lengths in a red-hot 22.78, which would have to be one of the quickest maiden victories that we have seen on a Wednesday at Gawler for some time. He’s definitely got some ability this dog!
Arguably the performance of the day came from the Ray Fewings-trained Indy Ghost, who was simply dynamite on his way to a flying best-of-the-day victory. From his preferred box one, he looked for a strong chance with the market reflecting that. Things were looking very good when he came out with a sizzling 8.56 first split, which allowed him to lead the field easily. At no point in the run was he ever troubled, as he did things wonderfully in front, before winning by four lengths in 22.44, which is super quick! A nice win for the nearly four-year-old chaser.
Sunday
It was a memorable night for a new trainer to the sport in the form of Hayley Chapman, who had her first-ever starter as a greyhound trainer, which of course led to her first winner, with Off The Cuff winning in great fashion. Having her first start in South Australia, after moving from Victoria, On The Cuff looked to have a job ahead with a wide box eight draw over the 400m distance. He was only slow to go, but quickly mustered down the outside into a close spot behind the leader. Going into the turn, he was a couple of lengths off the leader but rapidly closing in. Around the turn, he just barged his way through and went to the front, before winning really well in 22.80. A great win and one that Hayley will no doubt remember forever and it definitely won’t be the last win!
Kelly’s Missile had been racing in tough fields and not having a lot of luck in recent starts, but on Sunday he enjoyed a step back in grade to the masters on Sunday night. He wasn’t given much hope from box six in the small field, but when he came out flying like he could and found the lead early, he was looking like a big hope. Up the back straight, he was challenged, but just kept kicking and grinding away, before hanging on for a fantastic 22.51 victory. Trevor Jessup has done a good job with him and it was a good confidence booster that wins for Kelly’s Missile.