Opawa Superstar wins NZ Group 1 Waterloo Cup for Dave and Jean Fahey
Dave and Jean Fahey, eminent greyhound trainers from Canterbury, New Zealand (NZ), have once again demonstrated their formidable prowess in the world of NZ greyhound racing, training Opawa Superstar to win the 2023 NZ Group 1 Waterloo Cup.
The couple recently savoured the sweet taste of victory with their charge, Opawa Superstar, clinching the $30,000 Waterloo Cup, marking a staggering 60th Group 1 win for the accomplished trainers.
While it was their first Waterloo Cup training victory, the 60 Group 1 wins now sit alongside, 60 Group 2 winners they have mentored, along with an Australian Group 3 720m win at Wentworth Park.
In the Manukau (Auckland) 520m Group 1 race, a host of potential outcomes unfolded across the dramatic 30.55 seconds, a testament to the thrilling unpredictability of the sport.
At the judge, Opawa Superstar had built a commanding 6.25 length margin, clocking 30.55 for his 527m gallop. Talbingo Bale kicked on stoutly for his trainer Craig Roberts for second, while maintaining her bold effort was the Lisa Cole-prepared Big Time Blazer another half length behind.
Opawa Superstar won the Manukau (Auckland) 527m Group 1 race with a tenacious display of speed in 30.55.
Despite a moderate start from box two, Opawa Superstar pushed forward quickly and took the lead leaving the the first corner.
Approaching the back mark, the greyhound found himself leading comfortably.
Proving his mettle, Opawa Superstar, the son of Fernando Bale and Opawa Tab, surged ahead to seize his third Group 1 title, finishing 6.25 lengths ahead defending 2022 Waterloo Cup winner Talbingo Bale.
The race for third place saw the Lisa Cole-prepared Big Time Blazer finish a further 6.75 lengths behind the winner.
2023 NZ Group 1 Waterloo Cup (Manukau, 527m) – Opawa Superstar (30.55) T: Dave and Jean Fahey
Opawa Superstar started a firm +160 race favourite with greyhound bookmakers.
Reflecting on the race, Dave Fahey said, “I was worried when Opawa Superstar didn't jump too well but he is a fearless chaser.”
The victory marked a significant milestone for the owners, Robin Wales (Opawa Racing Ltd) and Allan Davidson, celebrating their first Waterloo Cup success.
“I thought it was a fantastic run by Opawa Superstar and I thoroughly enjoyed the moment, especially with Dave and Jean who together we have been trying to win this race for years.
“My biggest joy is that we bred Opawa Superstar and that is very satisfying,” expressed Wales, who has now enjoyed in excess of 40 Group race winners, all trained by the Faheys.
Robin Wales, the principal of Opawa Racing, expressed his gratitude to the Faheys and Kirsten Wylie from K9HQ for their tireless work in nursing Opawa Superstar back to fitness following an injury.
The Faheys' journey in the world of greyhound racing has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Since their first Group race victory with the Egyptian Gold at the Addington Raceway in June 2003, the couple has blazed an incredible trail, now racking up 121 group race wins.