The TAB Melbourne Cup is more than a greyhound race.
It is a showcase of all that is great about the sport of greyhound racing. The finest canine athletes in the land racing in front of the biggest crowds for a chance at ultimate glory. Just to get a runner to the Cup heats requires a talented greyhound, months of meticulous planning, and a bit good fortune along the way. And for the winning trainer, owner and breeder, it is the realisation of a lifelong dream.
Greyhound racing is a wonderful sport, but for those who dedicate their lives preparing these outstanding athletes, it’s more than that – it is a lifestyle. No matter how their trainer feels and regardless of the weather outside, the dogs need to be tended to. The seemingly endless hours and unwavering devotion from both the trainers and their families, the late nights and early morning, countless kilometres travelled across the state and around the country all on the hope – the dream – of unearthing a greyhound capable of mixing it with the best from around the country.
And the excitement they must feel when they find that special greyhound!
Just 53 trainers hold the title of ‘Melbourne Cup winning trainer,’ and I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of them over the years. Each of their stories are different but they all share a common experience – and all cite the Cup as their greatest achievement in the sport. The Melbourne Cup is the world’s greatest greyhound race not because we say so, but because those who spend their lives dreaming of winning the race, tell us so.
There’s a lot of money up for grabs over the course of the Melbourne Cup series. Over one million dollars in fact and $630,000 in the final alone. The winning greyhound will also face certain demand from breeders at the conclusion of the its racing career. But while the financial windfall for winning the Cup is life changing, the race is not defined by prize money.
A look through the race’s honour roll reveals some of the most acclaimed greyhounds in the history of the sport. Among them are eight Victorian Greyhounds of the Year and six Victorian Hall of Famers. Nationally, five Australian Greyhounds of the Year and three Hall of Famers include the Cup on their resume. Every Cup winner in the last decade has won multiple group races. Only special dogs win Melbourne Cups.
The 2019 edition of the Cup promises to be one of the most exciting ever. History shows that the Melbourne Cup is won by greyhounds ‘on the up’, greyhounds with early speed at box rise and the strength to carve out fast times around the country’s premier track. Over the next fortnight we’ll see veterans of the group racing circuit such as Sennachie, Feral Franky and Hooked On Scotch meet a wave of emerging stars such as Shima Shine, Who Told Stevie and Simon Told Helen as well as dozens of other stars of the track. So wide is the field of contenders that tab.com.au has 11 greyhounds at $21 or less. And you could make a case for many more at a bigger price.
This series is going to be something special. Make sure you’re at Sandown Park to experience greatness.
The TAB Melbourne Cup heats will be run on Friday 22 November with the group 1 final to be run on Friday 29 November. For more information visit www.tabmelbournecup.com.au.
Three time TAB Melbourne Cup winning trainer Jason Thompson shares what makes the race so special to him and his family
