It’s been building for some time now. A slow constant wave of chatter, but in the past week, someone has turned the volume up, and the noise around the GRNSW + Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase has suddenly got very loud.
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to watch quite a bit of the Regional Qualifying series held around the State, and the concept proved to be a great one. What was truly wonderful to see was the way the series threw up winners from all different regions and not just the usual suspects.
Now those out of town trainers will head to town to take on the city slickers in the semi-finals at Wentworth Park on October 12, and hopefully their regions will get behind them and give them the support they richly deserve.
As we all expected the powerful Victorian kennels, the Dailys and Brittons, and Thompsons, have sent their best to Wentworth Park for the city qualifiers and the Southerners have dominated, winning each of the Wenty heats. And while there has been some tremendous performances – notably Benali’s 29.29s – there has also been more than a handful of locals who have done exactly what they needed and advanced to the semi-finals.
And now just another 12 semi spots need to be filled and the first step of the qualification process is complete, and those berths will be booked on Saturday night in the final four city qualifiers.
I can’t quite believe we are so close to the inaugural running of the world’s richest greyhound race, where one lucky owner will win $1 million … and it’s in our own backyard.
Having already seen and heard about what is planned for the evening, it really will be the biggest night the sport has seen in this country.
But before we get there, there is semi-final night to look forward to on October 12.
And to me the best part of the semi-finals is that we have 64 dogs in eight races, and it will be the winners only through to the grand final. If that doesn’t see us end up with one of the best fields ever assembled, I’d be stunned.
While the night – with three heats of the Sydney Cup also scheduled – will be some of the best racing the Harbour City has experienced, there will be plenty for everyone at Wenty that night.
There will be live music with The Rocking Byrds and Flash 54 playing from 3pm and Star DJ taking you through the night. What a great reason to start your weekend early.
There will also be food and drink specials, while the kids will love the Kindyfarm petting zoo, jumping castle, dartball competition with prizes, and free popcorn.
It’s spring and while thoroughbred racing usually holds the spotlight, our canine athletes are all set to be among the stars this year.
Make sure you're a part of it!
