Crystal Innings Gives Launceston Friends A Buzz
Connections boasting a long association with the LGRC were seen in the winners circle at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when the well related bitch Crystal Innings (High Earner – Ricky's Angel) led throughout to score an impressive victory in the Grade 5 event (452 metres).
The bitch is raced by LGRC Chairman John Newson and prepared for him by veteran Newnham mentor Doug Cassidy, who is assisted in his endeavours by his wife Pam, who occupies the position of Vice Chairman. In addition, both Doug and Pam are life-members of the club, having devoted many hours of their time over the years to what is probably Tasmania's most financial greyhound racing organisation.
“It is a great result for all of us, we are close friends, reside in the same location and are all involved with the Launceston Greyhound Racing Club,” Doug Cassidy explained on Wednesday.
John Newson purchased Crystal Innings from John Quill early this year when attempting to procure a well related bitch, to be used ultimately for breeding purposes.
“John asked me if I was prepared to train her for him and brought her to my kennels early in March,” Cassidy explained.
“It has taken time to get her to the races because she came in season, but I have been patient with her and am naturally hoping that she can win a race or two for us before she is eventually retired to the breeding barn.”
On Tuesday Crystal Innings flew the lids and was never in danger of defeat in the premier position, recording a time of 25.91 and paying the handsome win dividend of $10.70.
“I expect her to improve further still. I take her for long walks up as far as the Rocherlea football ground and then gallop her of a Friday and she is handling the work load well.”
Two races prior Crystal Innings' litter sister Flash Innings recorded her tenth win when successful in the Grade 2/3 event (452 metres) for co-owners Quill and Ricky Ponting and Relbia mentor Tony Dawson.
Originally declared an emergency for the event, she also led throughout, recording a time of 25.78 and paying a win dividend of $5.40.
Meanwhile another veteran of the sport in Richmond's Steve Hutt, enjoyed a successful day at the NWGRC meeting when his kennel was represented by the winners King Nitro and Red Nitro, members of a Nitro Burst – Wind Fire litter raced by John Carr.
King Nitro prevailed in the Grade 4 (452 metres) in the time of 25.82 and Red Nitro made good use of the red box to take out the Adam Brooks Grade 4 (452 metres) in the time of 25.66.
Since the littermates were transferred to the Hutt complex they have recorded nine wins in total, while accumulating a purse of in excess of $14,000.
Smart chaser Pioneer Mogul (Collision – Pepper Spice) continued on his winning way at the NWGRC meeting when he upstaged some very well credentialed rivals in the Grade 4 (452 metres).
Bridport trainer Richard Hall has unearthed the key to the chaser, which has won three of his last four starts and five of 17 lifetime outings while taking stakes of in excess of $8,000.
In defeating race favourite Glitzy Bling (Dyna Lachlan – Miss Bling) and Golden Sage (Knocka Norris – Trina Sage), Pioneer Mogul recorded a time of 25.77 and paid a win dividend of $3.80.