“Like a Group 1 final” – that is how Brett May has described the experience of seeing Hay Fergus’s stunning debut.
The son of legendary Brett Lee and gun greyhound Daydream scorched to a 22.22 win over the 400m at Bulli on Friday night in his first competitive race.
Click here to watch the stunning debut run by Hay Fergus.
Hay Fergus (pictured with connections, courtesy Redden Photo Video) has been earmarked as a potential star after his jaw-dropping victory by more than 13 lengths, which followed up his recent track record in a Performance trial at Bulli.
May said the joy of seeing his boom pup go so well reminded him of Daydream’s 2010 victory in the Group 1 National Futurity decider.
“There was a lot of pressure leading up to it,” the trainer said. “I know it was ‘only’ a Maiden at Bulli, but it felt like a big night because of the talk about him.
“I had Daydream win a Group 1, but I can say that last Friday night was a bit comparable to that night.
“I was just so relieved to see him go to the front at the turn. To see him come home like that was wonderful too.
“It was a sensational run and now it’s all systems go for him.”
Hay Fergus first caught the eye with a terrific 24.98 Performance trial over the 450m at Maitland in March.
His progress has been hampered since then by injuries but his 22.14 Performance trial run at Bulli on July 10 – 0.06 under Barcia Bale’s track record – underlined his exciting promise.
May said Hay Fergus would likely be next in action a week on Friday over the 472m at Bulli, with the plan to step him up to the 520m shortly.
The newcomer’s super Performance has attracted interest from potential suitors but May, whose wife owns Hay Fergus, is in no hurry to sell.
“If we were to sell him, it would have to be a darn good offer,” the NSW Hunter Valley trainer said.
“I’ve waited 35 years to get a greyhound like this. Yes, we had a Group 1 winner, but it’s been a lean couple of years for us.
“He is such a fantastic greyhound as well. He travels well, doesn’t play up and is a real gentleman.
“It’s a pleasure to have him.”
May thanked Peter Yore for his "fantastic" work with Hay Fergus.
