As far as the Mount Gambier Cup Calcutta is concerned, generally the last runner auctioned attracts the most interest. In fact, at the 2025 Calcutta it was the eventual cup winner, Aston Gozo, who attracted a record-breaking bid of $1560.
At Saturday night’s Calcutta, which had been conducted at Tara Raceway, the last runner auctioned, Galento, on the back of a recent quick win at the track, did attract the highest bid of $820 but missed out on reaching the final when beaten by a half head in the eighth and final heat.
As it turned out, none of the eight Group A greyhounds made it through to the final although Galento, trained by Paul Galea, is the first reserve.
Two runners from Group B, which was made up of 10 greyhounds, are through to Sunday’s final. Victorian trainer Danielle Smith’s Gorringe attracted a bid of $170 and goes into the final as the highest-priced runner.
Also through to the final from Group B is Dashing Jordy. And given that he was sold for $110 and won his heat in 29.16 seconds he looks to have been a pretty handy pick-up.
Group C provided half of the final field in Zipping Andora, Gunning Bandit, Statue Of Time and Flying Artie who topped that group with a bid of $72.
Group D came up with one finalist – Galactic Nemesis, who was sold for $20. And in Group E, Swift Gift goes into the final after being purchased for $10.
The Calcutta prize money break down is first $3448, second $985 and third $492.
Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club manager, Tim Lewis, said while attendance numbers had been down there had still been plenty of interest in the auction as well as a good crowd at Tara Raceway on the Sunday for the heats.
“Once again, the MGGRC would like to thank MC Graham Gill for his work on the night. We look forward to seeing him back at Tara Raceway for Sunday’s final.
“Many thanks to our long-time auctioneer Chris Manser of Green Triangle Livestock & Real Estate for the effort he continues to put in. And also to his spotter, the colourful John “Slogger” Richardson.
“Also, a big thank you to the IT boys in Dave and Jason. A terrific job that was really appreciated.”