Olser pumped for Wallbanger’s Australian Cup heat


Wallbanger – the number one draft pick in the National Greyhound Draft of 2018 – has drawn box seven in heat four of the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup tonight at The Meadows.

A winner of eight of his 20 race starts, the greyhound best known as Harvey finds himself one win away from qualifying for one of the most famous greyhound races in the world. And for syndicate owner Brett Osler, one of hundreds of people involved in the National Draft, the chance to race in such a prestigious race would be a dream come true.

“Excitement levels are huge. Only the best win races like the Australian Cup and we’re a one in eight chance of winning through to our first Group 1 final as owners.”

Wallbanger has been marked as a $6 chance to take out his heat, and Osler suggests that a clean break is vital if he is to qualify for the $300,000-to-the-winner final.

“We just need him to step well and give himself a shot to be there vying for glory next week and we’ll happily share in that spoil if lucky enough to win through. One can only dream about following in the steps of people like Alan Fairlie from my hometown area of Gippsland, who won with Listowel Sue in 1977, but that was before I was born. Of course there is a huge WA flavour to the ownership crew (successful Perth owner Peter Cameron is team leader), so we’ll largely be flying the WA flag despite being Victorian bred and trained.”

Osler also spoke about the excitement being part of the National Draft has brought to his life.

“Being part of the National Greyhound Draft has been great and it has got my little sister in to share the joy. It provides you with access to quality prospects at an affordable price, but also joins you up with others which I have always enjoyed when I’ve owned horses in the past.”

“However, unlike interests in the horses over the years, you only need a one-off payment to be part of this greyhound syndication and you get three shots at getting a decent racing prospect, as well as truly enjoying each stage of their development. Hopefully for us the next stage of Wallbanger’s development is running in a Group race final.”

Some greyhounds from the 2019 draft will start their education shortly, and to get involved, visit racewith.com.au for more information.

Click here for tonight’s fields at The Meadows

Written by George Farrugia (@GFarrugia18)

Wallbanger (1) runner-up in his Australian Cup Prelim