Racing Success, A Family Affair (Gawler)
By Brendan Lines
Success in the racing game requires hard work and commitment on and off the track. Tuesday’s racing at Gawler was a very rewarding trip for South Merbein Trainer Craig Jaensch and his maiden winner Sheza Black Rose.
Starting from box 2 in the Radpidvite Open maiden series over 388m. Sheza Black Rose jumped early with the leaders to find third. She was challenged by fourth place Lilliputian (4) for most of the first sectional. But Sheza Black Rose found the rail and broke away to pursue the leaders Viscount Vane (1) and Senni Jay Jay (3).
Closing on the leaders into the home turn Sheza Black Rose was looking for the pass. Holding her position on the rail gave her the inside run home on the leaders who went wide. In the home straight she passed the slowing leaders to win in a time 23.17secs. Second went to Viscount Vane for Karen Bearpark of Two Wells and third to Senni Jay Jay for Lewiston Trainer Tim Ieraci.
Sheza Black Rose was bred on Jaensch’s Merbein property, where she was part of a litter shared with his Father Chris. Trialling over 388m at Angle Park and Gawler, her times were good enough to show Jaensch “There’s no point holding her back.” True to predictions she has taken to the South Australian tracks with great zeal. When asked if there was any particular reason, Jaensch said the South Australian tracks are similar to where she was broken in. In the past Jaensch had brought dogs to race at Gawler but none of them “switched on” to the atmosphere and conditions of the Gawler racetrack like Sheza Black Rose.
The Jaensch family has a long history in Greyhound racing, where it truly is a passion for all the family. Jaensch’s Parents Chris and Kaye have been involved in the sport for thirty years. Their interest in racing was passed on to brothers Trevor, Michael and Patrick. There is some ‘old hand’ advice from his Father and Brothers, along with a bit of healthy competition and chat as to who’s dog is fastest but “all in good fun.”
Jaensch went out on his own 8 years ago, finding wins and breeding success with his bitch “Curlwaa Islander.” However success for Jaensch also comes from having support from his Partner Le Anne Smith, whom Jaensch says “I really could not do it without her.” Le Anne’s work behind the scenes is crucial so Craig can balance racing and work commitments. Traveling to South Australia to find success is nothing new for Jaensch as before it’s closure Barmera was a ‘home’ track for the Victorian.
Although travel is not a favourite part of the game. Craig did mention that the recent increase in South Australian prize money has made coming to Gawler a more lucrative effort.
Other notable efforts for the days racing included a win to Cash Or Credit. The Gawler veteran returned to grade in a Division one victory for Evanston trainer Aarte Verhoef.
As a result of some final essential works being carried out on the new track complex, racing at Gawler will take a short break. No racing to be conducted during December, but will resume in mid January. Racing will be transferred to Angle Park and Strathalbyn during that time. For more information go www.gawlergreyhounds.com ‘Till then see you at the track.