Tony Parker’s Showtime Isaac secures North Queensland Cup win
Showtime Isaac delivered a stunning performance to claim victory in the Listed North Queensland Cup Final at the Townsville Showgrounds on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Trained by Tony Parker, Showtime Isaac crossed the line in 28.75 seconds over the 498-metres, securing the $16,000 prize and further cementing his status as one of North Queensland’s premier greyhounds.
This North Queensland Cup will be Tony Parker’s second Cup win, the first coming in 2012 with his father Henry ‘Merv’ Parker, who won with Cherokee Bob.
Starting from Box 3 as the $3.10 favourite with the leading greyhound bookmakers, Showtime Isaac showcased his exceptional acceleration to take control of the race early, holding off a determined challenge from Jackknifed ($7.50 with BlondeBet), trained by Greta Thomson, who finished 1.5 lengths behind in second.
Farmor Casual ($3.70 with Neds), representing Steven Scott’s kennel, rounded out the podium in third place, 3 lengths behind the winner.
Showtime Isaac’s mid-race surge proved decisive, with the greyhound demonstrating both speed and composure to overcome strong rivals in the final stretch.
2024 North Queensland Cup Final Race Replay – Showtime Isaac (28.75)
This victory marked a milestone for trainer Tony Parker, whose Giru-based kennel has had an outstanding year.
Showtime Isaac’s win was his 18th of the year, extending Parker’s lead in the local premiership standings.
Parker acknowledged the importance of this triumph, particularly after coming close in several feature races in recent years.
He praised Showtime Isaac as a standout in his kennel, combining consistent performances with the ability to shine against top-tier competition.
The race was not without its moments of intrigue, with the early leader Farmor Casual setting a blistering pace but was ultimately unable to maintain the momentum against Showtime Isaac’s powerful surge.
Jackknifed, fresh off an impressive heat performance, showed promise but couldn’t close the gap in the final metres.
Steven Scott, who fielded three contenders in the final, also saw Farmor Fired Up finish fourth, adding depth to his kennel’s impressive showing.
For Parker, this victory is more than just a professional achievement—it’s a personal triumph that honors the memory of his late father, Merv, a respected greyhound trainer and past North Queensland Cup winner.
With 84 wins this year and a well-rounded kennel, Parker’s rise in the greyhound training ranks shows no signs of slowing down, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s rising stars in North Queensland.