The inaugural Neds Friday Night Lightning meeting at Wentworth Park has proven to be a tremendous success both on and off the track.
Despite threatening weather in Sydney all afternoon, officials were delighted with the turnout at Wenty for the new racing concept, one which saw 10 events, all conducted over the 280m sprint distance, the night over and done within three hours, and a plethora of off-track entertainment to keep patrons thoroughly entertained all night.
Many fans new to greyhound racing were not only enthralled by the action on the track, but made the most of the additional entertainment - the mechanical bull ride, the table tennis, the pinball machines, and the variety of food options from the food trucks.
On the track - despite a number of trainers bringing multiple greyhounds to town chasing a slice of the $10,000 trainers’ bonus – each of the 10 events were won by different trainers.
The star of the night was the Rod McDonald-trained Dana Ali, who clocked the best of the night figures of 15.89s, and was the only greyhound to go under the 16 second barrier. Kennelmate Dana Corporal was the second fastest over the sprint trip, clocking 16.04s in finishing second to Dana Ali.
Other winners on the night were: Gemala Girl (16.46s), Mind Blowin’ (16.43s), Iron Izmir (16.59s), Ferno The Nando (16.52s), Danni Said No (16.20s), Bluestone Sophie (16.29s), Raglan Revolver (16.39s), Cougar County (16.42s), and Reciprocal (16.37s).
The Neds Friday Night Lightning Series will continue next week on March 22, and the following three Fridays.
