Something About Victa
Just when you think nothing is new, along comes an exception. That came at Gawler greyhounds on Sunday night by way of an unusual feat that has probably never occurred previously. Trainers Tony and Lisa Rasmussen presented an entire litter of twelve runners at the one race meeting, but the unique event didn’t stop there, as they enjoyed some special successes on the night.
Their first achievement for the night came in Race 4, when Victa Hadyn took the lead halfway through the 531m event, and raced away to win by over seven lengths in a good 30.94 secs. Second was Barely’s Era for Colin Rana of Macdonald Park, and Josef Moses Rose was third for David Hall of Paskeville.
In Race 6, four of the litter lined up, with three of them having the lead at one stage, in the 531m event. In the finish it was Victa Reid that was successful, who had to come from well back in the field, to score by 3 ½ lengths in the time of 31.29 secs. Victa Saige ran second and Victa Buzz finished in third spot. A training trifecta is fairly rare, but all from the same litter makes it more so.
Tony and Lisa were to go one step better in the next race, another Grade 6 over the 531m trip, where they had another four runners from that litter engaged. Best away was Victa Kurt to lead from Victa Grosso, which was four lengths away in second spot. Half way down the back straight, Victa Grosso drew on level terms before saying “see you later” to his littermate, and going on to win by nearly four lengths in a handy 30.82 secs. Vicat Kurt ran second, but then turned it out that Victa Emma and Victa Daryl filled the next two placings, giving Tony and Lisa an incredible first four. So in just the two consecutive races, they had achieved a trifecta and a first four, which must be some sort of record in SA as well.
The litter was bred by Ron and Joan Schadow, and is from a mating of top sire Fernando Bale and their impressive female, Victa Victoria, a winner of 26 races and 39 placings. The whole litter is owned by Ron and Joan’s daughters, and races under the syndicate name, My Four Girls. The “Victa” name has been long used by the Schadow s, as they live in Victor Harbor.
Tony Rasmussen considers this to be one of the most even litters he has ever been associated with, and is of the opinion that at this stage, about eight of them could go on to be city class performers. One of the owners, Carol Hondow, who was helping out with the handling of the dogs, pointed out that in a further twist to this story, that the dogs were last night running on their actual two year birthday, 23rd May.
Tony said that the dogs are being set for the upcoming classics available to young dogs, and will include a shot at the prestigious Gawler Produce, to be run in July. There could be even more reasons to celebrate.
The racing schedule at Gawler for this week is Friday afternoon, an extra meeting on Saturday morning, Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon. Catering is available at each meeting, and if you are looking to have a meal on our popular Sunday night, please book with the Club on 8522 2935.
L to R; Harry Trengrove with Victa Daryl (4th), Carol Hondow with Victa Emma (3rd), Scott Hondow, Tony Nobes with Victa Kurt (2nd), Tony Rasmussen, Nicole Price with Victa Grosso (1st)
Credit Kurt Donsberg Photography