Luna Jinx ($26.90) delivered on her potential, eclipsing the seemingly unbeatable Space Star ($1.50Fav) in the Group 1 Superstayers (725m) at The Meadows on Saturday night.
Trainer Len Ketelaar struggled to contain his delight after the race, in which Luna Jinx snared a $100,000 first prize after defeating Lady Toy and Space Star in 42.337sec, after reeling in early leader Echelonic Action.
“O-M-G…that’s what the young people say these days isn’t it? What a surprise!” Yuroke trainer Ketelaar remarked in his post-race speech.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the connections of Luna Jinx, with the greyhound showing enormous promise in the early stages of her career before a serious metacarpal injury had Ketelaar believing her career may have been over.
“It was a real possibility that she’d never race again,” Ketelaar said.
However, five months of TLC with connections in her native state of South Australia saw her return to racing in December, and she hasn’t looked back winning six from 13 and now finally tasting success at the highest level.
Incidentally, Ketelaar also put the polish on Luna Jinx’s granddam Springvale Jinx, who was a classy stayer herself.
“Springvale Jinx was a tiny 23 kilogram front-running stayer who won $160,000 in prize money.”
“Luna Jinx isn’t a front-running type, although she raced a bit like Springvale Jinx tonight because she raced in a forward position instead of her usual racing pattern where she comes from behind,” Ketelaar said.
Luna Jinx took her record to 14 wins from 32 starts, while the $100,000 first prize took her career earnings up to $146,000.