It took a while but Crymelon Spirit, after kicking off her racing career at Horsham on May 17, 2022, finally opened her winning account at start number 34 at Tara Raceway last Sunday.

Away quickly from box two in the Carlin & Gazzard Maiden Stake (305 metres), the brindle bitch managed to hang on for a half-length win over Love Me Better in a personal best time of 18.02 seconds.

“She probably needs a shorter distance than 305 metres but they’re a bit hard to find,” said her trainer, Ian Bibby of Warracknabeal, after the race.

Crymelon Spirit is by Zambora Brockie out of Crymelon Holly who had Bibby’s hopes raised high when in January 2017 at her first start she won at Warrnambool over 390 metres in a quick 22.08 seconds.

“She then came out the following week and ran a good second over 450 metres prior to injuring herself a week later and never racing again,” he said.

“But Crymelon Holly’s previous litter by Hawk Alone did come up with a handy one in Crymelon Comet who has won 10 races and $48,000 in prize money.”

Bibby also made a handy purchase earlier this year in the form of Orson Fury, a son of Orson Allen and Come On Charlize.

“He’s slow out but runs home well. He actually gave me my biggest success in greyhound racing when winning a $10,000 GRV VicBred Maiden Series final (450 m) at Warrnambool last month.”

Formerly in harness racing, Bibby’s involvement with greyhounds came about in 2009. His first winner was in July 2010 when Crymelon Miss won at Bendigo.

His last winner at Mount Gambier had been back in September 2016 when Elbow Room, at what was his last start, defeated Old Jock over 600 metres.

And last Sunday was also a good day for the club presidents.

Bibby has been president of the Horsham Greyhound Racing Club for the past 10 years while Noel Perry, Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club president, landed a double with Rough Boy Devil and Rough In Vegas.

The double was Perry’s first since August last year when he had been successful with Menari Houdini and Menari Tom.