Girl power lies with Yindi in Sprint final


Yindi Girl Turbo (pictured with trainer Matt Lanigan) goes into tomorrow’s Victorian Sprint final as the only female greyhound in it and breeder/owner Michael Cullen is optimistic of her chances.

She’s been one of the best performed female chasers across Victoria over the past few months having won five of her past 12 and all at metropolitan level.

“I’m ecstatic to be a part of it, though it’s disappointing not to be looking forward to a National final following (cancelled due to COVID-19). For her to be the only female greyhound in the race is amazing,” said Cullen.

‘Yindi’ was runner-up to Christo Bale in heat 2 last week and Cullen was especially proud of how she handled the second half of the race.

“Her run last week was super and I thought she was a little bit stiff not to beat Christo Bale, the red fell in her lap on the home turn while her and Christo were going hammer and tong. She’s flying and very underrated.”

Yindi Girl Turbo will jump from box 7 in tomorrow’s final with champion sprinter and race favourite Simon Told Helen on her outside.

“She’s a chance but it all depends on Simon Told Helen. He could cut her off, but he could also just do enough to get in front and she could somewhat follow him.”

Anyone close to Cullen knows that he absolutely lives and breathes his greyhounds.

“She’s a lovely dog. When I was able to go and see Matt I always sat in her kennel. On talent she’d be the best I’ve ever had. She’s at that age where we see the best of them and she’s putting it all together at the moment.”

With the strict measures in place around race meetings Cullen will be watching the race at home with his family.

“I’ll be on my couch with my new born baby, as well as the greyhounds.

“I get nervous. Last week I was jumping up and down which I don’t usually do but it was a bigger race. This is my first experience in a race of this sort of significance.”

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Cullen alongside partner Vanessa with Yindi Girl Turbo after a win at The Meadows in July 2019

Yindi Girl Turbo (2) runner-up to Christo Bale (5)
Jason Adams
About Jason Adams - Racing Operations Coordinator at Sandown Park. Over 8 years involvement in greyhound racing and one of the sport's biggest and most passionate fans.
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