There was a sombre mood around Dawson Park on Thursday afternoon, with wins being described as “bittersweet” while some trainers recorded what could be their final wins before moving dogs interstate.
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The meeting was the Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club’s first since the NSW state government passed a bill through parliament on Tuesday banning greyhound racing from July 1, 2017.
There was a healthy turnout at the track to see Dawon Park regular Raymond Smith and his wife Maree take out the quinella in the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes (400m) and while severely disappointed to know his industry is set to shut down, the trainer was adamant he and the rest of the industry will fight to the end.
“It’s bittersweet and very sad but it’s not over yet and we haven’t given up,” he said.
Much like his trainer won’t quit, Irinka Tyson showed he’s not done with yet when taking out the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes (400m) ahead of kennelmate Irinka Alf.
Irinka Tyson had not won since February of this year and started Thursday’s race at $8.
Making the 44th start of his career, Irinka Tyson jumped well from box six and after sitting alongside Myallo Nitro ($43.40) early on, he powered to the lead.
He ran home virtually unchallenged, winning by three-and-a-half lengths from Irinka Alf ($7.50), who ran home well, while Myalla Nitro was a further two lengths back in third.
“He’s been good and he loves it here,” Smith said Irinka Tyson.
“He hasn’t been drawing well but today got the chocolates. He knows what it’s all about.”
That win was followed by a victory to the Warren Jarvis-trained Yap Trap, but the win may be among her last at Dubbo.
Yap Trap produced an impressive come from behind win in the Cosmic Rumble @ Stud Stakes (400m) to win by one-and-one-quarter lengths but handler Julie Carter, Jarvis’ partner, confirmed the ban on racing has forced the couple to move the dog interstate.
“It is, it is,” was all Carter could ask when asked if it was a sad day at the track.
“She’s been a good girl for us but is heading to Tasmania at Christmas time after all this stuff in the industry. We’re going to send her to a trainer down there.”
The win was an upset one as Yap Trap paid $22.80 while Takalo Gem ($1.40) was second and Total Platinum ($9.30) was third.
Charmaine Roberts finished with a double after George Keeping and Regan Keeping won while Rhonda Millsteed also won twice through Jeanie and Merly.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
