Davis family gift Speedy Spyro a farewell tour before retirement
AFTER almost being sold earlier in his career in what would have been a regrettable sale, Speedy Spyro lines up for start number 141 tomorrow night at Geelong.
Almost three years ago the white and brindle dog was advertised after an underwhelming start to his career, but connections changed their mind late in the piece, which has proved to be a satisfying decision for the Davis family.
“Johnny” as he is affectionately known has won the hearts of loved ones and despite being advertised for sale online after a handful of starts, the family “just couldn’t part with him”.
Owned by Sonia and Craig Davis, and trained by father Malcolm of Altona Green, Speedy Spyro struggled early in his career before a family discussion was had where it was hinted that Johnny may be better suited elsewhere.
After receiving offers from owners to buy the greyhound, the Davis family reneged on their advertisement and decided to keep the loveable five year old.
“The dogs first five starts were at Dailly’s kennels and they were poor,” Malcolm Davis said.
“The Daillys are great trainers who have won Melbourne Cups, but the dog just wouldn’t go there… he needs one on one attention.
“It was either sell him or try something different. After a brief stint with another trainer who got a win out of him he was here back with me…we just couldn’t part with him.”
The son of Fernando Bale x White Spyro, has won more than $48,000 in prize money earnings, comes from a handy line with the litter producing the talented Speed Star, a winner of 47 races, formerly trained by Team Dailly.
“Both of those dogs have excellent early pace,” Davis said.
“I knew Speedy Spyro would win a few because he has early pace and leads in most of his races.
“But it’s not about that, he is just a very funny dog who is not suited to big kennels. If I said to him, ‘Ok it’s exercise time’, he would just walk out of the kennels himself, empty out and then hop onto the walking machine. If he could turn the button on he would probably do that too.
“We just found it too hard as a family to let him go because he’s lovely.”
In the final months of his career, the Davis family are comfortable that the end is near.
“When he retires he just needs to go to a very good home,” Davis said.
“There is still a small chance we will keep him if we can buy a larger property in the near future.
“The dog and i just click you know, we really like each other.”
Speedy Spyro lines up in the veterans race at Geelong on Friday night in race 11 and win lose or draw, connections are just happy to see him get around safely.
“He loves to run and I think he is a place chance.”
Speedy Spyro lines up in the veterans race at Geelong tomorrow night with Australian greyhound betting sites having markets available now.
tough race tonight but will watch