It’s not often you see a chocolate coloured greyhound. It’s even rarer to see them win a race in the city. But that’s what happened at Sandown last Sunday when Dun And Dunna broke through for his maiden win.
Dun – the official colour of the winner of the first race on the card, Dun And Dunna – is the most unusual colour for greyhounds. It occurs only once in every 1500-2000 litters, or less than 0.01% of all pups. Dun And Dunna’s chocolate coloured coat makes him stand out from other greyhounds, a fact not lost on his trainer Bianca Whitfield.
Dun And Dunna with trainer, Bianca Whitford
“I’ve seen them in photos, but I’d never seen one before him.” said Whitfield, who has spent a life time involved in the sport.
“Everyone recognises him – he’s a hard dog to hide – and he’s got the temperament to go with it. He’s just a beautiful animal.”
However a wonderful temperament doesn’t guarantee success on the track, and Dun And Dunna also shown great tenacity to break through for his maiden win.
“At one stage we didn’t think he’d get to the track let alone win a race at Sandown. He’s probably had more issues than any dog I’ve ever had. To get a win with him is very satisfying, and I couldn’t be happier for his owner (Andy Turner) who has been a great supporter of mine. He’s stuck by me and trusted me with his dogs from day dot so to get a win for him is very satisfying.”
Twenty minutes later, Whitford completed her first city double when Perfect Master saluted in race 2.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially considering they’re our only two race dogs.”
Bianca and her partner Adrian Smit recently decided to take the plunge and establish their own greyhound property. The couple purchased 140 acres in Longford and began constructing kennels, greyhound runs, rearing yards and whelping boxes. Premier Racing Kennels was born.
“We decided if we were going to do it, we were going to do it properly.
“We’re getting a lot more owners and it has grown tremendously in the last month or so. We have some bitches that are due to whelp in September, have a few puppies we’re rearing, and a few breakers and pre-trainers. The race dogs are a bonus.”
Based on Bianca’s recent strike rate, there’s sure to be plenty of bonuses ahead.
See Dun And Dunna weave his way through the field for his maiden win
Click here to learn more about greyhound colours.
