Smoking Rosie and White Walker sparked a memorable family celebration at Sandown Park last Thursday night when the littermates quinellaed the opening event for brothers John and Terry Reid.
Smoking Rosie began flawlessly from box 6, leading through the first turn and just holding out the fast finishing White Walker by a length in 30.00 seconds.
It was John Reid’s first win at Sandown Park since Cheeky Cavalier saluted in July 1992. Coincidentally, both greyhounds started at 10/1.
“At her last start she drew box one and she walked out,” said Reid.
“She got out very well this time.’’
There were plenty of well wishers on hand to celebrate the end of his 22 year drought. The syndicates behind the winner and runner up consist of family members and friends – many of whom were trackside to celebrate.
The family connection even extended to the naming of the greyhounds. The dam was named Heggart, the maiden name of John’s mother, while Smoking Rose was John’s mother’s nickname. The litter was bred by John’s niece, Kylie.
The win was just reward for Reid who has enjoyed a life-long association with greyhound racing. One of the gentlemen of the sport, Reid is a life member of the industry’s representative body the Greyhound Owners, Breeders and Trainers Association, having served on its committee for 21 years including 19 as Treasurer.
And while Reid is confident it won’t be another 22 years before his next win at Sandown Park, he is happy to bide his time with his new kennel star.
“I don’t like to over race them or push the dogs too hard, but I think she can be as good as she wants to be.”
The win was the stroking white chaser’s third of her young career, and the $5000 first prize doubled her career prize money.
