Emma Pritchard

After his promising greyhound Respectability won the Des Winters Grafton Cup Heat 3 at the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club on May 1, astute Iluka trainer Michael Patterson told the Clarence Valley Independent they would be speaking again following the running of the Des Winters Grafton Cup Final on May 8.

And he was right.

Jumping smartly from box 3, Respectability travelled comfortably throughout the running of the 450m event before kicking strongly in the home straight to win the $25000 feature by two lengths in a time of 25:25 from a gallant On The Bit and race favourite Orara Dan.

The well fancied Olsen Street struck trouble in the back stretch and failed to finish the course after striking the rail.

The Michelle Lill trained greyhound was later cleared of serious injury.

During the official presentation, a grateful Mr Patterson acknowledged the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club and President John Corrigan for their outstanding work, adding he was proud to win the race named in honour of Des Winters, who has made significant contributions to the sport.

When he caught up with the Clarence Valley Independent, the proud trainer spoke highly of Respectability and the progress he has made.

“He did get smashed a few times in his earlier races and he lost his confidence,” he recalled.

“But he’s always had talent.

“He’s a joy to train, he has a lovely nature, and he’s just a joy to have.”

The Des Winters Grafton Cup Final was Respectability’s fourth win in succession at his eighth career start.

Mr Patterson also wished to acknowledge his special friend Manny, Reggie Gardoll and his dedicated team for their ongoing support and assistance.

The Grafton Cup was one of two feature events hosted by the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club over the weekend and followed the inaugural running of the Ladbrokes Lady Greys Mother’s Day Pendant.

Orchestrated by the Lady Greys, a unique group of local women associated with the sport which was formed less than 12 months ago, the Mother’s Day Pendant attracted a classy field, with victory going to talented bitch Orbital who claimed the feature in a fast time of 20.12 seconds.

Eye in Sky finished a game second less than one length off the winner.

Silent Sky ran third.  

The winning connections of Orbital were presented with a pendant generously donated by Parrys Jewellers and the Lady Greys.

The Lady Greys also hosted a high tea during the race meeting to raise funds and awareness of ovarian cancer.

The full amount raised from the event was still being tallied at the time of publication.

The Grafton Greyhound Racing Club will host their next race meeting on May 16.