Jess Hopkins’ patience rewarded with emerging star Panama Canal
Greyhound trainer Jess Hopkins looks to have a handy pup in her kennel with Panama Canal winning again at Healesville yesterday.
In race four of the day, the son of Superior Panama x Zipping Yoko made it five wins from six starts after winning the Super Sprint final over 300m.
Starting from the pink, the $1.40 favourite with greyhound betting sites wasn't the best to begin but soon put the field away to win in 16.45 for a happy trainer and family who were all on course.
Shortly after the race, the Junction Village trainer paid credit to her support team and spoke about her love of the racing industry.
“My mum and Nan help me out and it was just great to win for the syndicate because they were great when the dog had his his injury,” she said.
Panama Canal, raced by the Otb Bananas Syndicate, have been rewarded after the chaser did his achilles tendon in a trial after showing promise after breaking in.
Since then he has been treated by leading vet Des Fagan, whilst leading trainers of the likes of Jason Thompson and Peter Jovanovic have also assisted Hopkins getting the speedster back to the track.
“If I have any questions Peter Jovanovic is always there for me,” Hopkins said.
The black dog has been enjoying free galloping up the Healesville straight where he now feels most comfortable, but with the ability displayed, other tracks are again on the horizon.
“He only had one trial at Healesville before his first up run,” Hopkins said.
“The judge at Healesville told me his trial time was the third fastest ever. I'll now see how he pulls up and likely head to Ballarat.”
The in-form trainer said balance between work, life and the dogs was a telling fact in recent success.
She also works as an assistant manager for Grand Syndicates, who have had recent success with galloper Behemoth.
“Greyhounds can consume you and take all of your time and thoughts so it's great to be involved with both industries,” Hopkins said.
And racing runs in the family with Hopkins' grandparents certainly training their fair share of classy dogs in the 1990s – such as Wylie Boy, who won the TopGun in 1996, Sale Cup twice, and the Traralgon Cup.
Wylie Boy was also named Victorian Greyhound of the Year that year and if Panama Canal turns out half as good as he was, connections will be more than satisfied.