Heats of the Group 1 Sportingbet Vic Peters Classic get under way at Wentworth Park on October 18 but last year’s winner Belfast Johnny has broken down again and been retired to stud.
Belfast Johnny (pictured) set a race record of 29.63 in his 2013 Vic Peters win but trainer Troy Vella has since endured a heartbreaking run of injuries with the dog.
“His last start was in the Bulli Gold Plate in January but after that he tore a hip support,’’ Vella said yesterday.
“I had him back in work but then he dropped a back muscle so that was the finish.
“John Carruthers, of Journey Park Stud, organised for a sperm test for the dog and the results were good so once I complete the paper work Belfast Johnny will go to stud.’’
Fortunately Vella has a trio of smart youngsters out of his former good Wentworth Park bitch Swiper Lulu to fill the void in his Blacktown kennels.
“The first one to race, Cosmic Swiper, won at her first start at Bulli on Wednesday while her litter brother Natura Swiper is just as good,’’ he said.
“He was beaten two lengths in his performance trial after coming out six lengths behind the field and is nominated to make his debut at Bulli on Wednesday.
“His unraced sister goes well too while Anthony Azzopardi is also training a couple from this first litter of Swiper Lulu, which are only just over 18 months old.’’
Belfast Johnny finishes with the record of 11 wins from 19 starts, including five succeses at Wentworth Park.
