Like Wildfire lives up to the hype with Gosford 603m track record run
In a remarkable display on Tuesday evening at the Gosford greyhound track, Like Wildfire solidified his position as Australia's most exciting greyhound staying prospect.
The talented greyhound has made a name for himself in the records with an outstanding performance recording new figures for the Gosford 603m track record.
Under the guidance of greyhound breeder, owner and trainer, Michael Ivers, this rising star completed the race distance in just 33.96 seconds, outshining second-placed Anita Keroma by 14 lengths.
This impressive performance shattered the previous record of 34.21 seconds, which was jointly held by Blue Moon Rising and Punter's Bandit.
Like Wildfire's impressive career record remains unblemished, with four victories in as many starts and a combined winning margin of nearly 30 lengths.
Ivers reflected on the victory and stated, “He broke nine seconds for the first sectional and his run home time was just remarkable.
He's showing me he's already looking for 700 metres but I'll take him along slowly and just let him learn his craft.” Ivers said.
Gosford 0-3 win 603m May 23 2023 – Lika Wildfire (33.96 – Track Record) T: Michael Ivers
Like Wildfire has now had four starts for fours win and collected $7,500 in career prizemoney.
“It is especially pleasing to get the Gosford record because another of my favourite greyhounds, Space Star, once held the track record holder there.” said Ivers.
Like Wildfire's new track record puts him in the same league as his three-time Group 1 winning uncle, Space Star, who also held the 600m record at the old Gosford track.
Like Wildfire's next steps may include a 600m start at The Gardens, before a potential bid for the National Distance Championships in August.
“Breaking a record always seems to take a lot out of a dog so Like Wildfire will rest for a week and is then likely to contest the 600m GRNSW Middle Distance Series race at The Gardens on Saturday June 3.
“After that I may send him to Melbourne for a Sunday race meeting over 595m at Sandown but while I think he will run 720m for sure, I think he is also capable of picking up a couple more 520m fifth grades at Wentworth Park beforehand.” said Ivers.
Renowned for his success in National Distance races, Ivers has his sights set on another victory with Like Wildfire, citing the greyhound's potential to follow in the footsteps of his previous champions, Kobble Creek and Tornado Tears.
Amidst the ongoing attention on Like Wildfire in New South Wales, his litter-brothers, Trooper Tears and Trapper Tears, are making waves and gaining noteworthy recognition in Victoria.
Trooper Tears and Trapper Tears finished first and second in the 2023 Group 3 Launching Pad final at Sandown in April for trainer Rob Britton.
Trooper Tears has now had 16 starts for 10 wins with another 5 minor placings, and with the Launching Pad's huge $150,000 to-the-winner first prize for a Group 3 race, has now banked $217,910 for connections.
Trapper Tears has now recorded six wins and eight placings from 14 starts, with six of those being seconds; earning $83,9440 for his efforts.
Both greyhounds recently finished unplaced in the 2023 Group 1 Harrison Dawson at Sandown after finding trouble early.
But Ivers has always said that Like Wildfire was the best of the three litter brothers.
“I wasn't at all surprise at how fast Like Wildfire went because he is a litter brother to Trapper Tears and Trooper Tears, who have become stars in Victoria, yet he could always donkey-lick them in trials when they were unraced youngsters.”
Like Wildfire, Trooper Tears and Trapper Tears are from the April 2021 litter by Goodesy out of Freaky Tears and only turned two years of age on April Fools Day.