Storming to a Win (Gawler)
Greyhound racing returned to Gawler after the Show commitment was completed and got underway with the Macro Meats Open Maiden Stake over 531m.
Away the best was Mahlo Storm from box 6, with the other wide drawn runners Oz Onyx (7) and Long Gully Hills (8) not far behind. Mahlo Storm was able to scoot away to a 3 length break, with Long Gully Hills crossing to the rails and in the process chopping off Oz Onyx’s run.
Mahlo Storm was able to remain unchallenged in front, despite Long Gully Hills making a challenge in the straight, going on to win by nearly 2 lengths in the time of 31.21 secs. Long Gully Hills finished second for Paula Hearnden of Angaston and Midway Magic ran on well out wide for third spot for Des Hockley of Lewiston.
Mahlo Storm is trained by Doug Frith of Salisbury for John Vassallo from Melbourne, who has owned the dog during it’s whole racing career. The win has been a long time coming as Mahlo Storm has had 24 previous starts on many different tracks and over many distances, but running 10 placings. “Barney” wasn’t able to run out the 500m races, and had been sent over to Doug, after he had watched the dog racing in Melbourne. Doug’s perseverance has paid off, discovering that the dog was racing with some difficult to detect injuries. Now that these complaints have been diagnosed and remedied, Barney is showing better form. Doug thought that now the white and brindle dog has won, he could go on with what he showed today.
Doug has been in the greyhound game for about 18 years, following on from his parent’s involvement in the sport. The trend is following on, as his son Phillip who acted as handler on the day, is always helping. Phillip is interested in the sport, and despite his young years, also helps out at the Virginia straight track.
Doubles on the day were recorded by Karen Wittholz and John Shanahan. Karen was successful with My Excuse who has scored 2 wins from 3 starts, and Tex Walker, a very consistent performer at the track. John has only recently begun racing in SA, but has been able to record many winners, with Just As Fancy and Wheels Of Fire both scoring.
The racing schedule is now Tuesday afternoons and Sunday twilights, so we look forward to seeing you at the track.