Neil Falls, a Northern Rivers trainer, had high hopes for his Tommy Shelby-Barsandi bitch named Excellent. Back in February, after picking her up from education, he knew she was special. The anticipation surrounding Excellent heightened as she made her racing debut at Grafton’s Easter Maiden.
On the race night, Excellent lived up to the hype by showcasing her exceptional speed and skill, clocking an impressive 25.30 over 450 meters. She crossed the finish line ahead of her littermates, Miss Bear and Brookers Road, by a length and three-quarters. Falls expressed his pride in Excellent’s performance, emphasizing that she had exceeded expectations.
Despite initial doubts about her racing readiness, Falls’s confidence in Excellent grew after she outperformed Aussie Storm in a trial. This victory solidified Excellent’s potential in the racing circuit, prompting Falls to seek out suitable competitions for her. The decision to enter her in the Easter Maiden series at Grafton proved to be a wise one.
Looking ahead, Falls has strategic plans for Excellent’s racing career. He intends to take her to Albion Park for a 520m Novice race before returning to Grafton for further competitions to enhance her experience and development. Falls’s dedication to Excellent’s training and progression reflects his commitment to nurturing her talent.
Excellent’s lineage is noteworthy, with her dam Barsandi boasting a successful racing record, including victories at Albion Park. Falls’s investment in Excellent’s future is evident, as he not only trained her but also bought two pups from her litter, continuing the legacy of Barsandi’s racing lineage.
Meanwhile, in another impressive display of speed and agility, Jason Mackay’s sprinter, Verdi, clinched victory in the Jack Summerville Cup Grafton final. Verdi’s exceptional performance, just .01 seconds shy of a track record, highlighted his prowess on the track. The win marked his 19th career victory, reaffirming his status as a top contender in the racing scene.
As the greyhound racing industry continues to witness remarkable talents like Excellent and Verdi, trainers and enthusiasts alike anticipate thrilling competitions and breakthrough performances. The dedication and skill displayed by these greyhounds serve as a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and the enduring bond between trainers, dogs, and fans.
With each race, greyhound racing enthusiasts witness the unfolding of new talents and the preservation of racing legacies. As Neil Falls guides Excellent on her racing journey and Verdi continues to dominate the sprinting scene, the excitement and anticipation surrounding greyhound racing only continue to grow.
As the sport evolves and new stars emerge, the legacy of greyhound racing thrives, fueled by the passion and dedication of trainers, owners, and fans who continue to elevate the sport to new heights of excellence.