With 16 months the minimum racing age for greyhounds in SA, Rough Boy Buddy was barely old enough to race when he lined up in Sunday’s Rocks Tavern Maiden Stake (305 metres).
But the December 2020 whelping took it all in his stride – box four and all – when leading all the way for a 6¾ lengths win over Cadillac Girl in 17.58 seconds – one of the fastest maiden times run over the short course this year.
By SA sire Worm Burner out of Xtreme Gift, Rough Boy Buddy is raced by the Brian Weis managed Pereis Syndicate which also comprises the trainer, Noel Perry of Mount Gambier.
Portland-based Weis bred the litter – Xtreme Gift being by Barcia Bale out of Xtreme Gretel and a winner of eight races at Warnambool, Horsham and Mount Gambier for fellow Portland trainer Robert Duncan.
Weis is also well acquainted with the breed, having trained Xtreme Gift’s litter brother Xtreme Caution in his upset win over Lektra Stomp in the 2018 Group Listed Mount Gambier Cup (512 m).
Perry reared Rough Boy Buddy from three months of age, along with the brindle dog’s litter sister Rough Girl Kodi, who he also races in partnership with Weis.
Perry said his hopes had been raised somewhat after Rough Boy Buddy had broken-in with a good report.
“Robert Halliday, another Portland greyhound man, broke him in – his summation being that he had done everything right and looked very promising.
“And after trialling in good fashion leading up to his first race I thought he would go alright even though his field experience had been very limited.”
Weis also has three of the litter ready, although they’re unable to yet race given that their trainer is contemplating starting them off in Victoria where the minimum racing age is 18 months.