Simply Roadster underlined his status as a potential star of NSW greyhound racing while also helping Grafton old boy Peter Rodgers enjoy a dream return to his former town when he took out the Taylor Family and Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Classic on Wednesday.
The smart newcomer produced a terrific 22.90 run to win the $14,000 feature event which is the highlight of the annual two week Grafton carnival.
Simply Roadster's trainer Rodgers, who used to live in the NSW North Coast town and was a regular face at the track as a young man, was delighted with the win.
"He's a very promising greyhound," Rodgers said. "Even with this draw (in box six), he had a chance.
"His mother (Simply Skoda) only had six or seven starts but she won a Magic Maiden heat in her time. She was very powerful and maybe she's passed that on to him."
Simply Roadster’s win was set up by a terrific 8.11 first sectional, with a powerful finish completing the job. Race favourite Nangar Star was second, with Bralyn Bauple third.
It was an emotional night for Rodgers, who is now based in western Sydney.
He was born in northern NSW but later moved to Grafton, where he developed his love of greyhound racing.
"Last week (for the heats) was the first time I had been back to the track in 41 years," he said.
"I can remember racing greyhounds here for ten quid or something like that.
"Greyhound racing is what I've done all my life. I've had fantastic support from my family and it's been a great journey.
"My emotions are running high, but I think that's good. I think sometimes we forget it's an emotional sport.
"If you keep that element of people punching the air and yahooing when their greyhounds win, I think that's a great thing."
Among the Grafton carnival’s other action, hot pup Black Audit secured the $6000-to-the-winner Westlawn Finance Stayers Cup, while Charlie Sprite won the Village Hotel Sprinters Cup
Racing continues at Grafton on Friday.
