Penshurst part-owner/trainer Brendan Casey still remembers the day he got home from work and found his nine-month-old pup in all sorts of bother. Alongside her was a motionless tiger snake.
“It was pretty obvious what had happened so it was a rush trip to Hamilton where a vet was on standby,” Casey recalled.
“But by the time I got to the vet she was a real mess and my thoughts had been that we had at least tried but it was certainly going to be too late to save her.
“A week later, though, and she returned home. A three months’ recuperation period was to follow although we never ever expected her to race.
“But she got to breaking-in stage, albeit with the final report being that while she did everything right she was very steady. And her early trials certainly confirmed that.”
By Zambora Brockie out of Crymelon Holly, an impressive Warrnambool winner at her first start before racing on only two more occasions, the pup in question is now named Striking Holly.
She’s raced by Casey in partnership with Mount Gambier-based Michael Robinson who purchased the black bitch at three months of age. And it wasn’t until Striking Holly found her way over to Robinson’s home track that things started to turn around.
Having her fourth start over Tara Raceway’s 305 metres distance, Striking Holly virtually led all the way when defeating Glasgow Lass by 2¾ lengths in 17.88 seconds in yesterday’s Metal Worx Maiden.
Also seeking some form of recognition for the win, and a spot in the after-race photograph, was Casey’s uncle and designated driver, Jack Casey, also of Penshurst.
“You know, when Brendan was looking to purchase his first greyhound some 15 years ago I was the one who selected a city winner for him. Maybe they should keep that in mind next time they’re looking for a pup.”