The first progeny of Wentworth Park record-breaker Shakey Jakey to hit the track makes her debut at Townsville tonight.
Jessica’s Money, who was whelped in July 2014 and was one of seven pups out of Ditzy Lea by Shakey Jakey, has her first start jumping from race seven in the Light Bulb Stakes (race one, 380m).
She was part of the second litter fathered by Shakey Jakey (pictured), who was retired to stud shortly after a phenomenal 29.07 run at Wentworth Park at his first ever career start in April 2014.
Jessica’s Money’s trainer Rhonda Goodwin said she was “excited” to see how her greyhound would progress, even if she was not up to her illustrious father’s astronomic standards.
“I can’t say she’s looked a champion so far, but she’s still learning to race,” Goodwin said.
“I’d say she’s a late maturer. Who knows? Maybe she’ll be a star like her father.”
Shakey Jakey stunned the greyhound racing world when he obliterated Punch One Out’s previous Wentworth Park track record by two-tenths on debut.
He was retired after that single competitive run, with his trainer David Pringle reportedly knocking back $1 million offers for the son of Collision and Kiacatoo Pearl.
Jessica’s Money is owned by Goodwin’s long-term friend Robert Lawdorn and is one of 17 greyhounds in her kennel.
“Robert loved Shakey Jakey,” Goodwin, a trainer of some 30 years who is based just outside Townsville, said.
“It was his dream to have one of his pups. I think this was the first pup he has bought, so it’s an exciting time for him.
“She’s very calm and a lovely greyhound to train.
“As for this race, I think she will place at least.”
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Meanwhile, ZIPPING Willow’s first litter of nine pups by sire Turanza Bale are progressing well.
The pups – six male and three female - were whelped in mid-December and are living at ZIPPING Willow’s owner and breeder Marty and Fiona Hallinan’s property in the NSW Central West.
ZIPPING Willow enjoyed a stunning career, winning 34 of 53 starts for Jason Mackay and earning the title of ‘The Queen Of Wentworth Park’ thanks to her super record at the Sydney track.
She retired in March last year having earned just under $200,000 prize money.
Arguably her greatest moment came when she won a thrilling 2014 Group 3 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet at Wentworth Park in a scorching 29.44.
Turanza Bale scored 22 wins and 30 minor placings from 77 starts, earning $160,000 prize money.
He has been an in-demand sire since retiring in January 2010 with his notable offspring including champion Xylia Allen (with Tayah Bale) and multiple Group winning stayer ZIPPING Maggie (with Natalie Rass).
Fiona Hallinan said both mother and the pups – seven black and two brindle – were in good health.
