Len and Evelyn Harris are hoping to mark their 50th wedding anniversary in the best possible fashion with success for their greyhound Cosmic Bonus in this year’s Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg.
Cosmic Bonus, who has built the impressive record of 11 wins and two minor placings from 18 starts, jumps from box one in the third of this Saturday night’s 10 heats of the $250,0000-to-the-winner series at Wentworth Park.
The greyhound has already scored four wins from eight visits to Wentworth Park, including a scorching 29.65 effort from box three earlier this month.
He has fast become the kennel star for the Harrises, whose greyhound Magic Display reached the Golden Easter Egg final in 2014.
“Cosmic Bonus is such an easy greyhound to train, handle and be around,” Evelyn Harris said.
“I’d love to see him run well in this series. I wasn’t that surprised by him running 29.65 as he’s at least as good as Magic Display was. He’s had a good week’s preparation and seems to be in fine condition.
“This is such a tough race and box one will only be good if he nails the start, but if he jumps well he’s a decent chance.”
Cosmic Bonus is the latest in-form greyhound for the Harrises, who are based at Whiteman Creek on the NSW North Coast and who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary earlier this month.
The couple face an 18-hour round trip on Saturday, but believe Cosmic Bonus can make the trip worthwhile.
“We‘ll drive straight back afterwards and probably won’t be home until 5am,” Evelyn Harris said. “It’s a hard journey but when you love your greyhounds, it’s something you have to do.
“Greyhounds have been a part of our life ever since we married. I don’t know what I would do without Len – or our greyhounds.
“Magic Display had no luck in that final, but it was an amazing night for us to be involved in a race like that.”
The 10 heat winners, placegetters and four fastest fourth-placed greyhounds progress to next Saturday night’s semi-finals.
The final takes place on Easter Saturday – part of a wonderful night’s racing including five feature race deciders.
Ando’s Mac, Australia’s boom greyhound with more than $600,000 prize money to his name, jumps from box five in heat seven.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
