Troy Murray's Basman wins 2021 Champion Puppy
The feature event on Sunday night’s greyhound racing program at Gawler, was the running of the 2021 Champion Puppy. It is one of the special features normally programmed for decision at Angle Park, but with that track undergoing a major track upgrade, some races were transferred to Gawler. With the imminent reopening of Angle Park, this will be the last of these special feature races to be run at Gawler.
To be eligible for the Series over the 531m distance, greyhounds had to be whelped after 1st July 2019. Two Heats were conducted on the previous Sunday, with the first four greyhounds in each race qualifying for a run in the Final. It was a very even start and difficult to pick a leader, but as they rounded the first corner out of the straight, Canya Razor(4) momentarily led, but was then passed on the outside by Basman (6), which landed a length in front of Canya Razor but was unable to break away. In the home straight however, Basman was too strong and held off a fast finishing Came And Went (2), to take home the chocolates. Came And Went finished 1½ lengths away in second spot, with Canya Razor a further ½ length away in third position for Lisa Rasmussen of Murray Bridge.
Photo: Troy’s son Connor Murray with Basman
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography
Both Basman and Came And Went are trained by Troy Murray at Lewiston, and are both owned by Terry Hill in Sydney. Terry, a well known NRL identity, has had many greyhounds in Troy’s care over the years. Taking a keen interest in breeding, Terry has enjoyed major success with greyhounds that he has bred and have been prepared by Troy, having bred the 2020 Gawler Gold Cup winner Major Major, and also the runner up, Golden Night. Terry also owns Golden Night, with Basman being from the next litter from their mother, Hillary.
The result of the race was well received and provided plenty of excitement to the connections at the track. Troy is no stranger to winning this race, having won it previously in 2012 with Sometimes Speedy, and in 2015 with Aston Eclipse. Aston Eclipse was owned by Ray Borda, and his company, Fresh Pet Food Co, is a supporter of the event and the Greyhound as Pets program.
Photo: L to R; Narelle and Ray Borda (sponsors), Connor Murray, Mike Wittholz (Gawler GRC Chairman), Jackson Murray, Bob May (Gawler GRC Secretary) with Basman
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography
The public are welcome to attend the Gawler track again, but please be aware that COVID restrictions are in place, and may be amended at short notice. The racing program for this week at Gawler is Friday afternoon, Sunday night (please book) and Tuesday afternoon. Enquiies can be made with the Club on 8522-2935