Opawa & Faheys Dominated Classic Final
The potent relationship between Opawa Racing team and the Dave and Jean Fahey training partnership was graphically illustrated by the race trifecta that they secured in Thursday’s running of the $7,500 Kolorful Kanvas Christchurch Classic at the Addington Raceway.
Pictured: Opawa Deal delivering his Thursday Christchurch Classic win (pic Tania Robbie)
The 520m race finish was always expected to be dominated by Opawa Racing bred and owned youngsters after seven of their greyhounds qualified for this feature final – six of them are trained by the Faheys for them.
It was the sole non Opawa Racing finalist Kiwi Gunn who led the field out from the 520m two trap for her conditioner Ray Adcock. Pushing forward from the eight trap was Opawa Deal, while sighted settling along the rail wearing the red racing vest was the race favourite Opawa Nat. Opawa Toddy, who had settled back early, improved his field position when rounding the first turn. It was to be these four greyhounds who were going to feature in the race finish.
Kiwi Gunn led the field down the back straight and into the final turn with Opawa Deal stalking her. Swinging in for the run home Opawa Deal mastered the pacemaker and came away for his feature race win, scoring by a three quarter length margin, clocking a handy 30.25s.
Opawa Nat moved off the rail and she extended nicely to claim the runner up prize. Dashing home strongly along the rail was Opawa Toddy to finish half a length further behind and in doing so he relegated a game Kiwi Gunn back to fourth by a neck.
The occupiers of the three postrace podium positions are all members of the promising November 2017 whelped Fernando Bale – Opawa Jay Jay litter. Opawa Deal is compiling a very tidy career record with this win being his eleventh from just 15 race day outings. He has a second placing and that all adds up to $19,863 in stake earnings for the Opawa Racing team which consists of Robin Wales and his mate Graham Campbell.
Kolorful Kanvas Christchurch Classic winner Opawa Deal seen here with Christchurch CEO Tony Music, along with handler Mark Lin and Opawa Racing’s Graham Campbell; Opawa Deal in joined by his litter and kennelmates Opawa Nat with Jack Johnson while Pete Seque brought back the third placed Opawa Toddy - pics supplied by Dave Robbie – [email protected] – 021 607 869 for all your South Island race photos
By Peter Fenemor