Deadly Avenger smashes record to win 2025 Sandgroper
Deadly Avenger confirmed his dominance at Cannington with a breathtaking track record victory in the 2025 Sandgroper Final on Thursday night, stopping the clock in a scintillating 29.19.
Trained by George Borg and handled by Steve Withers for the event, Deadly Avenger made the $300,000 feature his own, backing up his Group 1 Perth Cup success at the same venue just weeks earlier.
Jumping cleanly from box three, the son of Tommy Shelby and Avenger Lass was able to cross to the rail and fend off early pressure from Lakeview Emily, who swept across from a wide draw to sit second.
From there, Deadly Avenger extended his lead down the back and powered away in the straight as an $8.50 chance with the top greyhound bookmakers, cruising to a four-length victory in the fastest time ever recorded over the Cannington 520m journey.
2025 Sandgroper Final Race Replay – Deadly Avenger (29.19)
“He came over in enormous condition,” said Steve Withers.
“You look at the dogs in the field and whoever executed best at the start was going to get their opportunity. He did it tonight and showed exactly what he’s made of.”
Lakeview Emily battled gamely to hold second, while Miss Envy charged late to grab third, with Good Odds Cobber close up in fourth.
Pre-race favourite, Explicit’s chances were cruelled at box rise when he dwelt badly and was never a factor.
The win gave Ladbrokes back-to-back Sandgroper victories following Hector Fawley’s triumph twelve months ago, and further underlined the legacy of Tommy Shelby, with Deadly Avenger adding another Group success to the booming stud career of the WA superstar.
“He’s a fantastic dog and we’re really proud,” Withers added.
“He’s a son of Tommy Shelby too, so it’s a very special moment for all involved.”
Deadly Avenger has now won 14 of his 31 career starts and remains unbeaten in three appearances at Cannington.
Thursday night’s commanding win pushed his career prizemoney beyond $560,000, confirming him as one of the nation’s premier sprinters.
2025 Sandgroper Final Results
2025 Sandgroper ResultsCannignton 520m OPEN $300,000 to-the-winner Thursday, April 25, 2025
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|
| 1st |
3 Deadly Avenger
T: George BorgTime: 29.19Margin:
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| 2nd |
7 Lakeview Emily
T: Harley WhelanTime: 29.47Margin: 4.00 Lengths
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| 3rd |
6 Miss Envy
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| 4th |
2 Good Odds Cobber
T: Frank HurstTime: 29.55Margin: 5.25 Lengths
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| 5th |
8 Tim Zoo
T: Jason ThompsonTime: 29.76Margin: 8.25 Lengths
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6th |
4 Explicit
T: Jason ThompsonTime: 29.79Margin: 8.50 Lengths
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| 7th |
5 West On Sidney
T: Chris HalseTime: 30.24Margin: 15.00 Lengths
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| 8th | |