Owners proud as Lady Avenger captures emotional win

Lady Avenger, a greyhound initially bought to keep another company, broke through for her first city win last night.

It was just her second race start for almost a year after overcoming a series of injuries.

“She’s had two starts in the last year. She did her achilles, Joe (trainer Joe Borg) got her back, she won her first race back at Bendigo about three months ago but then she injured her calf muscle. She’s had two 400m trials in three months and was first up tonight over ‘500’, to win is a massive effort!” explained proud owner Rod Oppenhuis (pictured far left).

“It’s been a real battle, we were almost going to give up and breed with her. We thought ‘nah, we’ve got to give her one more go’.”

In late 2015 Oppenhuis purchased a pup by former Sandown Park track record holder Bekim Bale, the youngster was an excessive barker and he believed the company of another greyhound would help the cause.

“She was a real barker so I felt I needed to buy another dog to keep her company. So I bought this one, to help the other one to stop barking.

“The Bekim Bale pup never raced and this one is now a city winner. It’s unbelievable!”

Oppenhuis has been involved in greyhound racing for almost a decade and has owned 15 chasers in that time.

“A group of mates and I formed a syndicate eight years ago, we put in $1000 each and it’s been self funded ever since.

“I used to have horses but it was too expensive and success was hard to come by, so I thought I’d try something different. Greyhound racing involves the family a lot more. My family love it, we have a great time.”

Oppenhuis and his family were ecstatic track-side after the win. They drove from Ballarat to watch the race as it was an occasion they weren’t going to miss.

“We don’t normally travel this far but it’s been such a battle with this dog, we couldn’t miss it.”

The night was also highlighted by some stunning performances from Speed Star candidates. A list of greyhounds made a strong impact on the standings ahead of next Thursday’s highly anticipated Speed Star event. Click here for a wrap