There was no hiding Brian Jaggers' emotions on Monday afternoon following the first Orange Cup heat (520 metres).
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Jaggers had made the trip from the Sydney suburb of Padstow with his son Tim to witness Solar Sky win, a greyhound he has a stake in.
And it's been a emotional few months for Jaggers and his family considering his father lost his home at Lake Conjola due to bushfires.
"This win will lift his spirits, pick him up a bit," he said.
The Raymond Smith-trained black bitch drew box five for the first of two heats and was backed as $9-odds, with three starters with better backing.
But that didn't stop the Forbes-based greyhound from winning, as Solar Sky lead from start to finish, finishing ahead of Awesome Fusion ($3.10) and race favourite Zipping Byron ($2.10).
Jaggers said that Solar Sky is coming to the end of her career.
This win will lift his spirits, pick him up a bit.
- Brian Jaggers after Solar Sky's win
"It was great. Every little bit helps because going forward with this dog, we want to breed with her," he said.
"She'll probably only have a couple more runs. Orange Cup next week and then maybe the Bathurst Cup, we'll see. She's definitely coming towards the end of her career."
Jaggers said it was great to see Solar Sky pick up what was her 13th victory from 46 starts on Monday, considering her career is coming to an end.
"It's super she's got into a cup final towards the end of her career," he said.
"To win anywhere, it's hard and it's great.
"We're all tickle pink and she's a lovely dog. She's been a bit unlucky over her time, but she goes well.
"Hopefully we can draw a better box in the cup final than the five for the heat."
And the box five luck continued in the second heat, with Bit Flash winning by 6.5 metres ahead of Mr. Edward in second and Spring Bella in third.
