Bill Wudarczyk(second left)and BaileyRocks withGawlerGreyhoundRacing ClubchairmanMike Wittholz,secretaryBob Mayand managerShawn Noack.PHOTO:Supplied
BOB MAY
THE 2019 Gawler Breeders Final ran at the Gawler greyhound track on Friday afternoon, as part of a series of events for South Australian-bred greyhounds whelped in the first six months of 2017.
In the 531m event, and heading down the straight the first time, Bailey Rocks from box five showed the way to lead from Emerley Fabbro (one) and Allinga Jess (four).
Around the first turn, Bailey Rocks crossed to the rails and opened up a handy five-length break on the opposition, headed by Allinga Jess.
The field was unable to gain any ground on the leader, with Bailey Rocks going on to win comfortably by four lengths in the time of 31 seconds.
Littermates Allinga Jess and Allinga Mal (seven) finished second and third, respectively, for Langhorne Creek’s Yvonne King.
Bailey Rocks is prepared by Alberton trainer Bill Wudarczyk, who races her in partnership with Kirin Corby.
Bill said he wasn’t that confident before the race, as Bailey Rocks needs to lead and can find trouble if caught back on the rails.
But Friday’s win exceeded Bill’s expectations, and took Bailey Rocks’ tally to seven wins and six placings from 24 starts.
Bailey Rocks is a member of a great litter that Bill whelped from Rhonda Rocks, a breeding female that he leased for one litter of pups.
As part of the deal, Bill and Kirin received five pups, and all have been winners.
The best performed of the litter, Sennachie, has put SA racing firmly on the map and is the toast of Australian racing, having recently won two group one races – the Brisbane Cup, and on Saturday the Maturity Classic in Melbourne.
The mother, Rhonda Rocks, only had two starts with one good win, but as the trainer, Bill saw enough to convince him to pursue the chance to breed a litter.
Bill started his racing interest “not too seriously” way back in 1971, but took it to a higher level after he retired in 2001.
Greyhound racing provides great enjoyment for Bill, as he likes the greyhounds themselves, the social aspects, as well as the exercise and routine.
Racing is held at Gawler every Friday and Tuesday afternoon.
