The Silver Chief Classic is a time-honoured event and was first run in 1964 when taken out by Barunah at Olympic Park.
Often regarded as the Derby of greyhound racing, the Silver Chief Classic is open to young male greyhounds and throughout the years it has been won by some of the greatest chasers to have ever graced the track.
The race is a two week series, attracting the best from across the country which converge on The Meadows for a crack at the $100,000 winner’s purse.
The Silver Chief classic odds are currently not available as the running of the 2024 has just finised.
The field will be announced after the running of the heats.
Being a Group 1 event, there is always plenty of betting activity surrounding the Silver Chief Classic. Each year, eight talented youngsters line-up in pursuit of the main prize, resulting in plenty of value to be found throughout the field.
Each of Australian Racing Greyhound‘s recommended bookmakers offer betting markets on The Silver Chief Classic each and every year as well as every Group 1 event around Australia. Most offer early fixed-odds markets on the series, enabling punters to get some terrific prices about the runner of their choice.
Each of the bookmakers in the above table have outstanding odds and race bonuses for customers, as well as multiple platforms, meaning you can gamble from your mobile phone, your tablet or your personal computer. Australians are legally allowed to gamble on sports with the bookmakers we endorse mainly licenced in the Northern Territory.
The race is named after the mighty greyhound Silver Chief which was whelped in 1936 and won the prestigious Waterloo Cup in 1939. Silver Chief was renowned on the speed coursing circuit and, having raced in both Melbourne and Sydney throughout his successful career, he went on to become a popular sire once his racetrack career came to an end.
Olympic Park hosted its last Silver Chief Classic in 1996 when Awesome Assassin stormed to victory, with the race then shifting to Sandown Park where it remained until 1999 while the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association was in the process of moving between Olympic Park and their new track at Broadmeadows.
The year 1999 saw two runnings of the event, the first at Sandown Park and the second at the brand new track at The Meadows, that edition being won by the legendary Kantarn Bale.
Since that year, the Silver Chief Classic has remained at The Meadows and is now firmly steeped in its tradition over the 525-metre trip.
Some of the best have won the Silver Chief – names such as Tempix, Chariot Supreme, Kantarn Bale, Big Daddy Cool, Fedex and Lightning Frank are on the honour roll, many of whom have gone on to win again at the highest level.
On December 14, 2024, Epitomize, trained by Bradley Greenough, showcased exceptional speed and precision to win the Group 1 Silver Chief Classic at The Meadows. Starting from box eight, Epitomize surged to the front with a blistering 5.02-second first split and maintained his lead to finish in 29.75 seconds. The white and brindle dog held off a strong challenge from Deadly Avenger, securing victory by 0.75 lengths and claiming the $75,000 first prize. This triumph solidified Epitomize’s status as a rising star in the greyhound racing scene.
On December 16, 2023, Mepunga Shine, trained by Jeff Britton, delivered a stellar performance in the Group 1 Silver Chief Classic at The Meadows. Breaking swiftly from box four, Mepunga Shine led the field throughout, finishing with a time of 29.76 seconds. The black dog outpaced Rocket Riot by 3.06 lengths, securing the $100,000 first prize. This victory highlighted Mepunga Shine’s potential in the greyhound racing circuit.
On December 11, 2022, Amron Boy, trained by Brooke Ennis, showcased exceptional speed and agility in the Silver Chief Classic. Starting from box three, Amron Boy quickly took the lead and maintained it, completing the race in 29.45 seconds. He finished 4 lengths ahead of his closest competitor, Amron Dan, demonstrating his dominance in the field.
On January 1, 2022, Zippy Tesla, trained by Andrea Dailly, clinched a thrilling victory in the Group 1 Silver Chief Classic at The Meadows. Breaking from box three, Zippy Tesla engaged in a close battle with Compliance and narrowly secured the win by just 0.04 lengths. The race was completed in a time of 29.79 seconds, showcasing Zippy Tesla’s determination and skill.
2022 Silver Chief Classic Results
On January 2, 2021, Lakeview Walter, under the guidance of trainer Monique Whelan, clinched a narrow victory in the Silver Chief Classic. Breaking from box two, Lakeview Walter displayed determination, finishing the 525-meter race in 29.70 seconds, just 0.94 lengths ahead of Tyler Durden. This win marked a significant achievement in Lakeview Walter’s racing career.
2021 Silver Chief Classic Results
On January 4, 2020, Simon Told Helen, trained by David Burnett, delivered a commanding performance in the Silver Chief Classic. Starting from box four, he quickly established a lead and maintained it, completing the race in 29.68 seconds. Simon Told Helen finished 3.86 lengths ahead of Aston Wizard, showcasing his exceptional racing capabilities.
2020 Silver Chief Classic Results
On January 5, 2019, Barooga Brett, under the training of Brooke Ennis, showcased a stellar performance in the Silver Chief Classic. Breaking from box one, he led the race, finishing the 525-meter distance in 29.73 seconds. Barooga Brett secured victory by 2.03 lengths over Sennachie, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
2019 Silver Chief Classic Results
Out Of Range stamped himself as one of the hottest youngsters in training when taking out the most recent edition of the Group 1 Silver Chief Classic at The Meadows.
Owned and bred by Darren and Michael Puleio and trained by Seona Thompson, Out Of Range started as the $2.40 favourite off box one and when the lids flew open he didn’t disappoint, racing to the front of the field and defying a late challenge from Degani (Kc And All x Surfonic Nov ’15) to win by just over three quarters of a length in 29.83.
2018 Silver Chief Classic results
January 5, 2018. 5/1/2018 The Meadows. First Prize:$100,000
Winner:Out Of Range (Fernado Bale X Nicki Fields)White & Brindle Dog DOB: 25/12/2015
Owner:Darren & Michael Puleio (SYN) Trainer: Seona Thompson
Winning Time:29.83
Others in Finishing Order: DEGANI, FAST CAR DRIVING, DYNA WAZZA, MOSSIMO BALE, IMMEN BALE, FERNANDO EXPRESS, DYNA CARNIE.
Lightning Frank gave young trainer Mat Wright his first success at the highest level when winning the 2017 Silver Chief Classic. The black dog made the most of star chaser Thirty Talks’ misfortune out in front, storming to the lead and charging clear.
2017 Silver Chief Classic results
January 8, 2017. The Meadows MGRA First Prize $100,000
Winner: Lightning Frank (Black Magic Opal x Kirabilli Abbie) Born: Sept 2014 Black Dog
Owner: Hastag Syn, Trainer: Mathew Wright.
Time: 29.98. Margins: 2.99 x 2.02.
Others in finishing order: Reefton Treasurer, Lorenzo Blue, Rockstar Troy, Duty Free, Matt Machine, He’s Loaded, Thirty Talks.
Midwinter caused a boilover in the 2016 Silver Chief Classic when giving 70 old year conditioner Andy Stewart his biggest win in greyhound racing. Amazingly, nominating for the series was an afterthought, with Stewart considering his dog better suited over more ground.
2016 Silver Chief Classic results
January 2, 2016. The Meadows MGRA $100,000
winner: Midwinter (Cosmic Rumble x Tania Two Shoes) Born: Dec 2013 Black Dog
Owner: A & J Stewart Synd. Trainer: Andrew Steward.
Time: 29.99. Margins: 0.7 x 0.84.
Others in finishing order: Harlon, Marley Bale, Ernest Bale, Moreira, My Silver Chisel, Invictus Rapid, Aeropolane Bob.
Ill-fated star Above All won his second group 1 in a matter of weeks when winning the 2015 race. It was a massive effort from the son of Magic Sprite and Kara Janx which had saluted in the Group 1 Hobart Thousand on the other side of Christmas.
2015 Silver Chief Classic results
January 3, 2015. The Meadows, MGRA First Prize $100,000
Winner: Above All (Magic Sprite x Kara Janx) Born July 2012 Black Dog
Owner: Alison Lee, Trainer: Robert Britton
Time: 29.78. Margins: 1.3 x 1.79.
Others in finishing order: Dyna Villa, Dyna Double One, Midnight Flynn, Emrys, Amaro Bale, Gorham Bale, Dyna Quirk.
| Year | Distance | Venue | Grade | Winner | Margin | Time | Trainer | Runner-Up | Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Barunah | 4L | 31.00 | A. Belcher | Rocket Streak | 4 |
| 1965 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Spartan Prince | 7L | 30 11/16 | G. Markis | Hood Winker | 1 |
| 1966 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Phantom’s Return | 2L | 30 14/16 | R. Tinks | Sean’s Lad | 7 |
| 1967 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Lord Baden | 2-1/4L | 30 14/16 | P. Kurdian | Wentwood | 5 |
| 1968 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Dupondy Two | 5L | 30 11/16 | B. Oxenham | Solar Myth | 1 |
| 1969 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Plunder Road | 5L | 30 7/16 | R. Deakin | Milimsimbi | 1 |
| 1970 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Black Diro | 2L | 30 11/16 | W. Bleazby | Incus | 5 |
| 1971 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Michael Takiri | 6L | 30 10/16 | R. Dingfelder | Royarco | 5 |
| 1972 | 560y | OLP | Feat | Getaway | 5L | 30 1/16 | R. Drake | Bold Dux | 8 |
| 1973 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Flash Gordon | 1/2L | 30.81sec | I. Mackay | Magic Release | 1 |
| 1974 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Petillant | 4L | 30.47sec | F. Carew | Lone Star | 3 |
| 1975 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Nigger Chimes | 2L | 30.66sec | M. Thomas | Alpha Brava | 1 |
| 1976 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Fitz Mactavish | 1-1/2L | 30.83sec | H. Siakew | Campus Wood | 3 |
| 1977 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Satan’s Legend | 1-1/4L | 30.75sec | D. Gilliard | Dusty Progress | 1 |
| 1978 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Tempix | 1-1/4L | 30.60sec | R. Smith | Sharp Roo | 8 |
| 1979 | 511m | OLP | Feat | San Remo | 3-1/2L | 30.78sec | B. Flannery | Mr. Micro | 2 |
| 1980 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Mork The Stalk | 1-1/2L | 30.42sec | A. Huggins | Texas Typhoon | 3 |
| 1981 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Tempix Image | 4-1/2L | 30.31sec | R. Smith | Eliminate | 2 |
| 1982 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Bold Assail | 4L | 30.64sec | F. La Bozzetta | Salva Amour | 3 |
| 1983 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Chariot Supreme | 4-3/4L | 29.80sec | R. Rounds | Bold Ranger | 5 |
| 1984 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Rumpus Pappa | 5-1/2L | 29.89sec | N. Bryant | Blue Coup | 3 |
| 1985 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Supreme Dot | 1/4L | 30.57sec | J. Crofts | Potty’s Gully | 4 |
| 1986 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Hopeful Supreme | 3-1/2L | 29.95sec | K. Richards | Maradona Magic | 1 |
| 1987 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Calamity Kid | 4-1/4L | 29.96sec | D. Booth | Benito’s Boy | 3 |
| 1988 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Ginger | 4-1/2L | 29.80sec | G. Condo | Super Gun | 3 |
| 1989 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Autumn Chariot | 1-1/2L | 30.03sec | M. Hill | Lotus | 2 |
| 1990 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Enfield | 1-1/2L | 30.10sec | S. Johannesen | Wild Cactus | 4 |
| 1991 | 511m | OLP | Feat | Bomber Gleeson | 6L | 29.72sec | G. Bate | Black Sid | 4 |
| 1992 | 511m | OLP | G2 | Nevik | 5-1/2L | 29.74sec | J. Connelly | Coastal Town | 6 |
| 1993 | 511m | OLP | G2 | Plugger Fever | Neck | 30.14sec | L. Ketelaar | Midnight Sting | 4 |
| 1994 | 511m | OLP | G2 | Light Of Fire | 1L | 30.47sec | J. Thompson | Benchimes | 4 |
| 1995 | 511m | OLP | G2 | Zealous Guy | 1L | 30.46sec | A. Proctor | Road Safe | 2 |
| 1996 | 515m | SAN | G2 | Awesome Assassin | 9L | 29.96sec | J. Thompson | Manawartoo | 6 |
| 1997 | 515m | SAN | G2 | Hotshot | 3/4L | 29.99sec | R. Redenbach | Proven Reward | 8 |
| 1998 | – | – | – | Race Not Held | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1999 | 515m | SAN | G2 | Jamella Prince | 1-1/2L | 30.08sec | D. Crosswell | Moonambel Law | 7 |
| 1999 | 518m | MEA | G2 | Kantarn Bale | 3L | 29.91sec | G. Bate | Mepunga Ben | 1 |
| 2000 | 518m | MEA | G2 | Dave’s Mentor | 3L | 29.74sec | D. Booby | Frozen Keysy | 2 |
| 2001 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Burali Bale | Head | 30.36sec | G. Bate | Halla’s Rocket | 6 |
| 2002 | – | – | – | Race Not Held | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2003 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Jimmy Neutron | 1-1/4L | 30.04sec | S. McKenna | Most Awesome | 6 |
| 2004 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Big Daddy Cool | 8-3/4L | 29.62sec | N. Janic | Harvey Bale | 1 |
| 2005 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Ben’s Fury | 6-3/4L | 29.82sec | J. Thompson | Mr. Tab | 1 |
| 2006 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Closing Argument | 2L | 29.85sec | C. Taylor | Captain Odessa | 4 |
| 2007 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Meticulous | 2-1/2L | 30.11sec | M. Briganti | Salegrey’s Verto | 2 |
| 2008 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Regal Thyme | 3-1/2L | 29.92sec | G. Long | Top Fuel | 6 |
| 2009 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Fedex | 1/2 Hd | 30.01sec | J. Thompson | Austin Bale | 1 |
| 2010 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Enry Walt | 6-1/4L | 29.84sec | G. Ennis | Zenith | 7 |
| 2011 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Kilty Lad | 3-3/4L | 29.66sec | K. Bravo | Prefect Fancy | 5 |
| 2012 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Godsend | 5-1/4L | 29.93sec | J. Thompson | Glen Gallon | 1 |
| 2013 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Renegade Chief | 1.80L | 29.89sec | K. Greenough | Allen Makoto | 2 |
| 2014 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Ollie Bale | 2.26L | 30.19sec | A. Dailly | Kid Maximus | 8 |
| 2015 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Above All | 1.30L | 29.78sec | R. Britton | Dyna Villa | 5 |
| 2016 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Midwinter | 0.70L | 29.99sec | A. Stewart | Harlon | 3 |
| 2017 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Lightning Frank | 3.00L | 29.98sec | M. Wright | Reefton Treasure | 5 |
| 2018 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Out Of Range | 0.79L | 29.83sec | S. Thompson | Degani | 1 |
| 2019 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Brooga Brett | 2.03L | 29.73sec | B. Ennis | Sennachie | 1 |
| 2020 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Simon Told Helen | 3.86L | 29.68sec | D. Burnett | Aston Wizard | 4 |
| 2021 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Lakeview Walter | 0.94L | 29.70sec | M. Whelan | Tyler Durden | 2 |
| 2022 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Zippy Tesla | 0.04L | 29.79sec | A. Dailly | Compliance | 3 |
| 2022 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Amron Boy | 4.0L | 29.45sec | B. Ennis | Amron Dan | 3 |
| 2023 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Mepunga Shine | 3.06L | 29.76sec | J. Britton | Rocket Riot | 3 |
| 2024 | 525m | MEA | G1 | Epitomize | .75L | 29.75sec | B. Greenough | Deadly Avenger | 8 |