Young sprinter Okay Kirsty is Launching Pad bound following an impressive win in last night’s qualifier.
Okay Kirsty ran 2nd to the fastest heat winner Chief’s Sidekick on Sunday which had her as the second reserve for last night’s final. With the scratchings of Hunkapapa and Kroes she gained a start from box 6.
Okay Kirsty began well and matched motors with Chief’s Sidekick early before asserting control down the back straight. She gained a sizeable break before Zipping Buck launched a challenge late, but it wasn’t enough as Okay Kirsty held on to win by a nose in 29.96.
“I was stoked when she got a run as a reserve. We hoped she’d improve naturally which she did tonight. The time was probably a little disappointing but she was first past the post and that’s all that matters,” said trainer Ray Floyd.
On top of prize money Okay Kirsty and connections receive a ticket to the lucrative $410,000 Launching Pad series. The series is open to greyhounds with 1-6 wins and no more than 30 starts.
“I started thinking about the series about four weeks ago. If the owners weren’t going to buy a ticket I would have.
“I think a series like this is what she needs to mature, she’s still a baby in the mind. Over the next three or four months I think she can really turn into something special.”
Floyd is relatively new to the sport having only trained greyhounds part-time for five years after making the move from harness racing. He says he wouldn’t be able to do what he does without strong support from his family.
“I’ve got great support around me with my wife Jen and son Lachlan, they do a great job in helping.”
Floyd is also heavily involved in local sports in the Sale region.
“I coach footy, cricket and umpire also. I like preparing competitors and greyhound racing is right up that alley.”
Purchase and transfer of Launching Pad entry forms close next Friday March 9. There’s a total of 64 entry forms with the winner of the group 2 final to pocket $150,000 making the series one of the most lucrative in the country. Click here for more information
