2023 greyhound racing State Of Origin teams named
The highly-anticipated Origin Greyhound Series is preparing for another thrilling showdown, with teams from both Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) now officially announced.
The three-race series, a joint effort between Racing Queensland (RQ) and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), is set to be an impressive event boasting a substantial $360,000 in prizemoney.
The $60,000 Origin Match Race, a 520m competition, has already created a buzz with the announcement of its main contenders.
The State Of Origin greyhound racing squads were announced in late May, and selectors have now decided on the final competitors.
Representing Queensland is Jay Is Jay, a multiple group winner and the current Albion Park track record holder.
In a race that promises to be a spectacular event, Jay Is Jay will face off against the recent Golden Easter Egg champion, Simply Limelight, who recently made a powerful comeback from injury with a 29.60 triumph at Wentworth Park.
The Queensland Origin Sprint team features notable greyhounds such as Group 1 Gold Bullion winner Hello Mike, last year's Origin Match Race victor Shipwreck, and other competent contenders like Tomahawk Hayze, and recent Flying Amy Classic third placegetter Magistrate.
On the other hand, Team NSW is led by the formidable She's A Pearl, accompanied by Cash Master, Wyndra All Class, and Ibrox Wildfire.
In the staying distance category, Queensland's team is headed by last year's Origin Distance champion Days Of Thunder, along with Blue Hornet, Sorority, and Sunburst.
The NSW team, known as the Blues, brings a formidable team to the $100,000 Origin Distance (710m) competition, with Zipping Orlando, winner of Thursday night's Group 3 Carnival Chase, joined by fellow Carnival Chase finalist Palawa King, Cawbourne Magic, and Nangar Rocket.
The Origin Series, held annually since 2018, has seen an evenly-matched competition with both NSW and Queensland holding two victories each.
Queensland claimed the inaugural series, and New South Wales responded with a victory in 2019.
The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19, further elevating anticipation for this year's series.
The only race where the two states have shared victories is the Origin Distance Final, making it a particular race to watch this year.
2023 State Of Origin Match Race
- Jay Is Jay – Selena Zammit – Qld
- Simply Limelight – Peter Rodgers – NSW
Queensland State Of Origin Sprint Team
- Hello Mike – Travis Elson
- Magistrate – Greg Stella
- Shipwreck – Ned Snow
- Tomahawk Hayze – Sandra Hunt
NSW State Of Origin Sprint Squad
- Cash Master – Robert Cooke
- Ibrox Wildfire – William Dance
- She's A Pearl – Andy Lord
- Wyndra All Class – Daniel Gatt
Queensland State Of Origin Distance Team
- Blue Hornet – Raymond Burman
- Days Of Thunder – Warren Nicholls
- Sorority – Jedda Cutlack
- Sunburst – Jedda Cutlack
NSW State Of Origin Greyhound Squad
- Cawbourne Magic – Andy Lord
- Nangar Rocker – Dennis Barnes
- Palawa King – Jack Smith
- Zipping Orlando – John Finn