Peter Knott was over the moon last night following the Launching Pad heat win of the only greyhound in his kennel Especial Shiraz.
Especial Shiraz began well to lead and although pressured late by Payton and She’s Gifted he was able to hold on by 1¾ lengths in 29.62 at a big price of $27.
“It’s just brilliant. We’re only a small kennel so to be through to the next stage of a series like this is fantastic,” said Knott proudly.
“He’s been getting faster with every run and tonight we were lucky enough to have a good box. I expected him to run his usual 5.15 to the first split which he did – they would’ve had to go pretty fast to cross him.”
Especial Shiraz is the sole racing greyhound in Knott’s Carnegie kennel. He raced the dam Especially who had 73 starts for 20 wins. She produced a litter of seven which are all owned by Knott.
Especial Shiraz now advances to next week’s Launching Pad semi-finals where the top two of each will advance to the $150,000 to-the-winner group 2 final.
“He needs to find a few lengths compared to the other heat winners. But, we’re there and that’s the main thing.
“It’s been a great ride so far, I’m looking forward to next week.”
Especial Shiraz wasn’t the only greyhound Knott had engaged in last night’s heats. He also had Go Commando who races under the guidance of Jason and Jessica Sharp. Go Commando ran 2nd to Dyna Forrest in heat 7 and will also advance to next week’s semis.
Launching Pad semi-finals and Consolation heats highlight racing next Thursday night at Sandown Park. Both finals will be run on Thursday March 29 which coincides with the club’s popular Easter Kids Fun Night.
Click here for heats wrap
Click here for semi-final box draws
Especial Shiraz claims #LaunchingPad 🚀 heat 6 at odds of $27.20
— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) March 15, 2018
Trainer Peter Knott and team could not be prouder! pic.twitter.com/llF7Y08lud
