If dedication won you the big prizes then Margaret Bannerman would be a certainty for this year’s Leo Hartley Memorial Final (520m) at Wagga Wagga with impressive heat winner Nestor Bale.
Owner-trainer Bannerman, whose sprinter jumps from box five in the $3000-to-winner decider on Boxing Day, clocks up thousands of kilometres each year travelling to meetings from her NSW Central West base of Reefton.
Bannerman has a strong chance to claim the top prize if Nestor Bale, who has six wins and 10 placings from 35 starts, can repeat his heats display.
He was the fastest qualifier earlier this month in 30.92 and with two wins and a placing from his four visits to the track, he cannot be discounted here.
“I’m not sure he needed to be near the rail,” Bannerman said. “He keeps trying from whichever box he is in.
“He had some niggling injuries that slowed has progress at first, but now he is settled to racing he is doing well.”
This is an open final, with the entire field having claims.
Uno Hugo (box one) will have plenty of support, while Tiggerlong Killa in box three is a real force at the track.
Greyhound racing a real labour of love for Bannerman, who has been training greyhounds since she was 12 after being introduced to the sport by family.
She regularly undertakes ten-hour trips to tracks around the state with her charges but you will never hear her complaining.
“It’s a good sport to be in,” Bannerman said. “I like the people you meet through racing.
“I love the animal as wells. They respond to the love you give them and they are so affectionate.
“You keep trying for that champion. You think, 'one day’ and you keep going.
“I love it.”
Bannerman has had a few cracks at the Memorial over the years but the title has remained elusive.
“I’ve had a few placegetters but never a winner,” she said ruefully.
“The Hartley family are lovely. They support the Wagga track immensely.
“I’d love to get a winner in it.”
Other strong chances at Wagga Wagga on Boxing Day include Royal Norris in race three and Three Heads Up (race six).
For Wagga Wagga Boxing day fields, form and expert picks, click here.
