Greyhound racing fans are in for a treat at Sandown Park on Thursday night, with four heats of the Group 2 McKenna Memorial (595m) and the final of the El Galo Damsels Dash on an action packed 12 race card.
The meeting is the first city meeting to be run at the new prize money levels following a $6m increase in stake money as announced by Greyhound Racing Victoria. This increase will see every race run on a Thursday night at Sandown Park carry a minimum of $5000 first prize.
The McKenna Memorial brings together some of the country’s most exciting middle distance chasers including Dawson winner Don Chendo, Silver Chief winner Godsend, Sandown Cup winner Irma Bale and Rookie Rebel winner and nine time Group race finalist Lektra Jay.
The winner and runner up from each heat will go through to the $40,000 to the winner final on Thursday 12 July.
Ken Bailey’s Bubba’s Dream was a brilliant winner of its heat of the El Galo Damsels Dash last Thursday night, stopping the clock in a slick 29.28 seconds. The son of Global Warming is sure to start favourite for the $12,000 to the winner final, the winner of which will also a receive a free service to former superstar El Galo.
Bred in Queensland by leading breeders Dave and Christine Robartson, El Galo was bought by Seona Hood (pictured at the 2008 Greyhound of the Year function) early in his career and soon found his home at her partner Jason Thompson’s Pearcedale kennels.
‘Flash’ was named both Victorian and Australian Greyhound of the Year after a brilliant 12 months of racing during which the son of Where’s Pedro won the Brisbane Cup, Bendigo Cup, Bulli Gold Cup, Warrnambool Cup, Gold Coast Cup and Melbourne Cup Consolation, was runner up in the Australian Cup, and was placed in the both the Paws of Thunder and Wangaratta Cup.
His good form continued into 2009, winning the Adelaide Cup and Temlee, was again placed in the Australian and Warrnambool Cups, and was placed in the Easter Egg and Winter Stake. El Galo was named a finalist in both the 2009 Victorian and Australian Greyhound of the Year.
El Galo finished his 71 start career with 44 wins – seven of which were at Group level – and reached 18 Group race finals. He retired having earned $519,380 in career prize money which at the time of his retirement placed him second on the all time Australian stake money list.
Following his retirement, El Galo commenced stud duties in August 2009 and not only is his percentage of winners among the best in country, his progeny are among the most exciting in country. Winners include Warrnambool Classic winner El Brooklyn, Peter Mosman place getter Proven Maddy, Tweed Heads Galaxy winner Chasing Glory, and the exciting Roy Galo, a three time winner at Sandown Park.
El Galo stands for $2750 (inc GST) at Thompson’s Awesome Lodge.
Get your free Watchdog Form Guide for all Victorian greyhound meetings at www.thewatchdog.com.au. Entry to all Sandown Park meetings is free.
