b u s i n e s s :: p r o f i l e

Lismore Track Record to Cosmic Rumble March 3, 2009

Successful “Benefit Meeting” at Wentworth Park February 28, 2009

Miss Elly Mint Honoured by GBOTA with Special Presentation at Wentworth Park February 14,2009

Lismore's New Facilities

Pic courtesy of Lisa Vanderstok Lismore Course Photographer

>Lismore's New Facilities

The Lismore track's new facilities have been enthusiastically received by patrons and participants.

The modern and comfortable amenities continue the club's drive to provide a top class venue and complement the excellent two turn sand track which has been developped at the site

Pics Lisa Vandersok

GBOTA Honours Miss Elly Mint with Presentation at Wentworth Park February 14, 2009

Miss Elly Mint returned to Wentworth Park on Saturday February 14, 2009 following her Australian record-breaking 16th consecutive TAB tracks win there the previous Saturday.

To recognise this outstanding achievement the NSW GBOTA named race 6 on the Wentworth Park program on February 14, in honour of Miss Elly Mint and prior to the race made a special presentation to the connections.

The special presentation to honour Miss Elly Mint's Australian record was made by GBOTA Director Sue Absalom to owner Ray Watson and trainer Robert Smith (pictured - Robert Smith in centre). Pic courtesy of Wentworth Park course photograher Craig Youll.

Successful “Benefit Meeting” at Wentworth Park February 28, 2009 The New South Wales greyhound racing community responded to the horrifying Victorian Bushfires with a big “Benefit Meeting” at Wentworth Park on February 28, 2009 to raise funds for those affected by the worst natural disaster in Australian history. The night was a very successful undertaking with in excess of $25,000 raised.

Special thanks go the owners and trainers who supported the Benefit Meeting, to everyone who donated auction or raffle items, to everyone who assisted in planning and running the Benefit Meeting, to everyone who attended the meeting and contributed to these worthy causes through the auctions, raffles and cash collections on the night and to those who made prior donations. Your hard work and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Pic of the raffle prize table at the Benefit Meeting courtesy of Craig Youll

Wentworth Park Benefit Meeting - Rob McDougall (2007 Schools Spectacular) did a great job entertaining race goers in between races and was warmly received. Pic Craig Youll

GBOTA Chairman and Directors with the workers who put in a mighty effort planning and conducting the fundraising activities at the Benefit Meeting

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Lismore Track Record to Cosmic Rumble

On Tuesday night March 3 the Lismore 520 metres track record which had stood for just over two years at 29.86 seconds to Black Cobra took a battering when Cosmic Rumble lowered the time standard to 29.78 seconds in a brilliant gallop.

The Stephen Kavanagh owned and trained youngster finally put it all together with a scintillating win. Avenue Lad led for the first 250 metres, then Cosmic Rumble ($3.20) found another gear to score by nine lengths to set the new time standard.

A delighted Stephen Kavahagh is pictured here after the record breaking win

Pic courtesy of Lisa Vanderstok Lismore Course Photographer

For the record Cosmic Rumble is a 34 kg black dog from an April 07 litter Spiral Nikita ex Spiritual Rumble . The Lismore track record breaking win was the greyhound's first run at the distance, having previously had only 6 starts for 1 win and 4 placings overall. That record included 2 starts at Lismore for a win over the 420 metres in 24.31 on December 16 last year followed by a third a week later, those runs being in the big Renzo Park Future Stars Maiden series. The other 3 placings were thirds over the 520 metres at Albion Park when favourite or well in the market.

Pic courtesy of Lisa Vanderstok Lismore Course Photographer

Miss Elly Mint Breaks Gosford 400 Metre Track Record

Having her final hit out before contesting the heats of the 2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg Miss Elly Mint absolutely smashed the Gosford 400m record on Tuesday night March 24, 2009. Running a flying 10.59 to the first mark Miss Elly Mint clocked a sensational 22.66 which easily eclipsed the previous record of 22.89 set by Prince Warlock in September 04 and equaled by Lochinvar Prada in April 08. Miss Elly Mint, following her record breaking win at Gosford had the imposing record of 62 starts for 41 wins 6 seconds 5 thirds; truly a remarkable greyhound.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg

MG Parade for 2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg

Rod McDonald with MC Ron Arnold discussing Dana Beatrice's chances

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Racing Minister Kevin Green with Rod McDonald after the win of Dana Bearice in the 2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Winners are grinners

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg Presentation

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Winners (Dana Beatrice, trainer Rod McDonald and his catcher Brian Moss) with Nice Products Principal Bill Papadakis, GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas and Golden Easter Egg Hostess Belinda Luby.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg

The MG Parade compliments of the MG Car Club

Barry Allan's passengers for the parade were (l to r) Peter Loupos from Nice Products and Bill Papadakis, Principal of Nice Products.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

The large crowd on Easter Saturday for the 2009 Golden Easter Egg

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Nice Products Golden Easter Egg Hostess Belinda Luby

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer
2009 Golden Easter Egg Hostess Belinda Luby with the trophy

2009 Globe Memorial Easter Chase Invitation 720 won in fine style by the flying Lilley Criminal in 42.25 - trained by Anthony Azzopardi and owned by Allen Williams - presentation shot.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Globe Memorial Easter Chase 720m Presentation - winner Lilley Criminal time a slick 42.25 trainer Anthony Azzopardi owner Allen Williams

Mark Vincent with fans (Liz and Chris) at the 2009 Golden Easter Egg.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Multiquip Magic Maiden 520m won by Devine Road, trained by Pat Parrelli and owned by Matt Parrell - presentation shot.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 De Bortoli Wines - The Ambrosoli 520 won by True Kihael trained by Kim Hyde - presentation shot. Handler of winner is Mick Glassen, trainer's partner.

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Mark Vincent performing track side for the big crowd who were in awe of the sensational talent of this young (15 year old) entertainer (finaist in Australia's Got Talent - final winner announced on the show on Channel 7 on Wednesday April 22 following the tally of viewers votes in the week prior).

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Alexis Green winner of Ladies Bracelet Lucky Draw with Allan Evans of Evans and Son Jewellers and in second shot with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Havoc. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

2009 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet Presentation shot

Second pic: Alan Evans with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Hovoc with Alan's dad and a staff member of Evans and Son Jewellers. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Another shot trackside - Alan Evans with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Hovoc with Alan's dad and a staff member of Evans and Son Jewellers

Second pic:

Alan Evans of Evans & Son Jeweller with Bananarama and trainer Eric Castle and the diamond ring trophy crafted by Alan and his team. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Evans & Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet – Joy All Round On Saturday May 9, 2009 at Wentworth Park the feature was the Group 2 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet won by the outsider of the field Starfire Hovoc owned by Patricia Ferguson and trained by Vic Bartolo. Vic is always positive and cheerful and his attitude and approach to the sport is infectious. On Saturday he was rewarded handsomely with his first Group race win, with a winner's purse of $25,000. As is the custom with this event, the winner's trophy was a magnificent ladies bracelet crafted by the sponsors. Earlier in the night Steel In Tuned added extra joy to an extraordinary night for the same connections when it won race five on the program. Evans and Sons Jewellers' also crafted a diamond ring trophy for the supporting FFA event on the program won in fine style by Bananarama trained by Eric Castle. Fittingly the owner is Eric's wife Marlene and she was absolutely delighted to be receiving this lovely piece of jewellery. There was further joy for another lucky lady on the night when the Ladies Bracelet Lucky Draw was conducted. Again, as is customary for this meeting on the eve of Mothers' Day, all ladies present were invited to participate in a lucky draw, where the prize was another magnificent ladies bracelet crafted by the sponsors. The delighted winner was Alexis Green (pictured above with Alan Evans and with the winner) who was part of a group celebrating a birthday party in the first floor function centre. Alexis was overjoyed at her win. She said her win was a fabulous surprise and topped off a wonderful night of fun and excitement at the greyhounds.

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APPIN GRNSW Country Challenge Final 9/5/09 The aptly named ‘Magnifique' a March 07 whelping (Brett Lee x Thai Again) weighing in at a healthy 37.6kg lived up to his name in winning the final of the GRNSW Appin Country Challenge. Close to finish the big black dog was at least 3 lengths from the leader ‘Karatha Gold' who was running a bold race in front. ‘Magnifique' at this stage was given no chance of catching the leader but catch him he did right on the line in a scintillating finish. The margin was half a head with 1 and a ¼ lengths to the third dog ‘Murder He Wrote' in a respectable 20.88 given that Magnifique and Murder He Wrote collided heavily at the start. At the presentation ‘Magnifique' was given an ovation by all who attended, something I have never seen at a country track and it gives you a warm feeling about all that is right in Greyhound Racing, people appreciating a magnificent animal overcoming adversity to win with no other reason than he loves to race. Thanks to Greyhound Racing NSW for sponsoring; the quality fields support the future running of this event. The winner is pictured above with trainer Julie Fletcher and her husband Bruce.

Dentax Bale easily won the 2009 Group 2 Over Flo at Stud Bob Payne Winter Stakes at Wentworth Park on Saturday July 4 in 30.05 defeating Foxhill Bella and El Galo. The presentation shot appears here. Trainer of the winner Brendan Wheeler was delighted with the win his talented and lightly raced performer, who will now be set for the upcoming age restricted Young Star Classic and Vic Peters Group races at Wentworth Park

Victorian champ El Galo was shooting for the national stakes money record and if he won he would have eclipsed Rapid Journey's record. In running third El Galo remained $12,125 short of Rapid Journey's record of $530,995. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

New Facilities at Gosford, providing a new level of patron comfort and service, which will be officially opened at the Gosford race meeting on Tuesday July 27, 2009.

Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Tote and canteen

Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Canteen and new faciliities for bookmakers and patrons

Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

And the efficient office team of Rachael Harrington and Debbie Bone who provide excellent support to club Secretary Manager Kevin Keys.

Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

KS Black & Co GRNSW Country Challenge Showdown Final On a night when celebrities were thick on the ground at Wentworth Park, John Lawson from Aberdeen upstaged the likes of Maria Venuti, Simon Westaway (Underbelly) and even 70's pop star Leo Sayer, when his greyhound Future Fund won the K S Black & Co GRNSW Country Challenge Showdown.

Astute trainer John Lawson had three runners qualify for the prestigious final with Elite Flash and Drive Up also making the field and while Future Fund was the most fancied of his runners starting at 11/2, most punters' attention was on Golden Easter Egg winner Dana Beatrice which was sent out a pronounced 4/7 favourite.

Future Fund was best to begin and just headed the favourite Dana Beatrice at the first mark. From then the two greyhounds were always going to fight out the result. Future Fund held sway until the fourth mark when Dana Beatrice momentarily got the better of him. At this point many thought the Golden Easter Egg winner would power away and add to her already impressive prize money tally of $198,180, but that was not to be.

Future Fund kicked again and proved too strong for Dana Beatrice on the line, going away to win by 2 ¼ lengths with another 3 lengths to Drive Up.

The presentation to the winner was made by The Hon. George Souris MP, Shadow Minister for Racing, after GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas welcomed all to Wentworth Park, the “jewel in the crown” of the Association's racing operations and stated how proud he was to host the event in conjunction with GRNSW . Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Cashmere Queen earned $10,000 as the final points score champion of the 2009 GRNSW Country Challenge. Pictured above at Wentworth Park on Saturday night July 11, trainer Diane Craig was presented with the cheque for $10,000 by GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan, together with GRNSW Board Member Tom Green. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

$50,000 Cheque to Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal On Saturday July 11 at Wentworth Park GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas and GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan presented Lewis Kaplan Executive Director of the NSW Red Cross with a cheque for $50,000.

This represented the proceeds of the fundraising coordinated by the NSW GBOTA and GRNSW at the special Bushfire Benefit meeting held at Wentworth Park on Saturday February 28 this year following the tragic Victorian bushfire disaster. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer
Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

Zambola Bale wins 2009 Young Star Classic for Brendan Wheeler

2009 Young Star Classic Presentation and 2009 Young Star Classic winner Zambola Bale with trainer Brendan Wheeler, and (l – r) GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas, Mark Vincent and Bill's wife Helen Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

Minister Officially Opens Gosford's New Facilities

Last Tuesday night July 28 became an important night in the history of the NSW GBOTA's Gosford operations with the official opening of new facilities by the Hon. Kevin Greene M.P Minister for Gaming & Racing

Additional pictures from the occasion are reproduced below

Racing Minister Kevin Greene with GRNSW Chairman Prof Percy Allan and GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas Pic Craig Youll

Official Party Pic Craig Youll

GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas with Area Directors Jenny Green and Bryan Young Pic Craig Youll

L-R Bryan Young, Bill Mangafas with GBOTA stalwalts (and life members and patrons) Perc Fletcher and George Bates Pic Craig Youll

Presentation: 2009 AGRA Schweppes National Distance Championship NSW Final

Winner Smashing Amy Tr. Majella Ferguson second Gold Slammer Tr. James McFarlane and third Forty Twenty Tr. John Heard.

Winner's time 42.78

Wentworth Park 720m August 22, 2009. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

Presentation: 2009 AGRA Schweppes National Sprint Championship NSW Final

Winner Did I Entertain Tr. Robert Arnold second Nimbastic Tr. Owen Langley and third Zambola Bale Tr. Brendan Wheeler.

Winner's time 30.33

Wentworth Park 520m August 22, 2009. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

2009 Blue Paws Super Series Final at Wentworth Park on August 24, 2009 - Presentation

Winner Mighty Albert is pictured here with trainer Norm Becroft, his wife Tracey and their daughter Kaitlyn together with GBOTA Deputy Executive Officer Jeff Browne.

The winner's time for the 520 metres was a slick 30.15 after a smart heat win in 30.07.

The Becrofts earned a healthy $10,200 for the two wins including the double Blue Paws bonus of $4000. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

2009 Tedesco Menswear Chairman's Cup presentation won by Amity Bale tr. Graeme Bate. Second was Reign Over Me tr. Michael Cope and third Jarvis Bale tr. Graeme Bate. Pic courtesy ig Youll

2009 Paws Of Thunder Presentation winner Cindeen Shelby

tr. Kel Greenough second Take The Kitty tr Ken Cheetham

and third Snozz tr Jason Mackay. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

“ Happy 80 th Sam Digiorgio Stake” FFA 520m Wentworth Park October 10, 2009. Winner - Bell's Pace trained by Sam Sultana , handled by Luke Azzopardi. Sam (second from right) and staff are pictured after the race. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

Gold Slammer Presentation at Wentworth Park October 24, 2009 following the greyhound's retirement. Pictured are (left to right) Jack and Heather Sepple, Jamie McFarlane and his wife Sharon and their sons Oscar and Fletcher. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

2009 Schweppes Vic Peters Presentation winner Dancing Surf tr. Tracey Hurst second Pedrosa tr. Paul Stuart third Puddy Muddles tr. Allan Manwaring

Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

“Winners are grinners!' GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas with sponsor's representative Tony Coorey (Schweppes State New Business Manager) beside a delighted Tracey Hurst together with connections of Dancing Surf. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

Champion boxer Danny Green was the NSW GBOTA's special guest to support the Group 1 Schweppes Vic Peters Classic final on Saturday October 31, 2009.

Danny presented the trophy to the winner of race 5 named in his honour and met with fans and signed autographs and the commemorative race book specially printed for the occasion. There was a lucky draw for special guests and patrons in the “Green Zone” at the first floor function for a pair of boxing gloves and poster autographed by Danny.

There was a also a raffle conducted on course for everyone to participate in – with a second pair of boxing gloves and a poster autographed by Danny as the first prize.

Spencer Wilson Wins Danny Green Boxing Gloves Lucky Draw

The first floor Lucky Draw for the autographed Danny Green boxing gloves and poster was won by Spencer Wilson, who was there with his mum and dad as guests of Tanya Greenwood of Terra Plana Shoes in Newtown. Spencer and his parents joined Tanya, husband Ross and son Mitch and their other guests for a very enjoyable night in the “Green Zone” – a night topped off beautifully by Spencer's luck in winning the exclusive “Danny Green” special edition green boxing gloves personally signed by Danny.

A delighted Spencer is pictured here with Danny Green.

Keen Fans Win Raffle Prize Of Danny Green Boxing Gloves

Catherine and Luke Battese made a special trip down from Thornton near Maitland to catch up with Danny Green at Wentworth Park. Their most optimistic wishes came true when their names came out of the barrel to win the first prize in the big raffle conducted on course for all patrons in attendance.

Special edition “Green Machine” boxing gloves and poster all signed by Danny Green were the prize. Catherine and Luke are pictured below following their collecting their prize and catching up with Danny in the autograph signing area on the ground floor of the grandstand on Saturday.

Veteran Trainer wins Danny Green Stake

Veteran trainer Ken Cheetham was delighted to win the race named in honour of Danny Green, the GBOTA's special guest for Saturday's Vic Peters Classic final. Ken won race 5 the “Green v Jones Stake” a FFA over the 520 metres with his outstanding performer Take The Kitty.

Take The Kitty's win was outstanding –the margin was an ever increasing 9 ¼ lengths and the time was a sizzling 29.79. Ken was delighted with the performance of his very talented greyhound which has now won 11 and placed second three times from 18 starts at Wentworth Park over the 520 (best 29.75).

Ken was doubly pleased to have the opportunity to receive the trophy from Danny Green and to chat with the champion boxer. A delighted Ken Cheetham is pictured with Danny Green after Take The Kitty's outstanding win – together with GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll

GBOTA Stalwart Pat West and Danny Green

Pat West who was instrumental in providing the contacts for the GBOTA in organising Danny Green's appearance in support of the 2009 Group 1 Schweppes Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park is pictured here with Danny.

The GBOTA is indebted to Pat West for her contributions and support in helping to make this occasion a wonderful success.

Pat is pictured here with Danny at the Gala function on the first floor.

Danny is pictured below, track side following his introduction to the crowd and later in the night with greyhounds from GRNSW's Greyhounds as Pets who were there on the night with Lara Griffin, Coordinator of Greyhounds as Pets, promoting the great work the program does in preparing and placing greyhounds as pets after they have finished racing.

Bondi Rescue Delight Wentworth Park Patrons

The Wentworth Park meeting on October 31 also featured a special appearance by the cast of the highly successful television program Bondi Rescue. Cast members were special guests of the club for the First Floor Dinner, caught up with Danny Green and took place in a celebrity sprint race on the track in between races.

Below: Bondi Rescue cast members after the race with “Greyhounds As Pets” greyhounds that were present on the night to promote the great work they do in placing greyhounds in good homes after their racing careers are finished. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll. Below right: Bondi Rescue enjoying the hospitality at the Gala Function on the first floor.

2009 Pages Hire Summer Cup Presentation. Winner Amity Bale tr. Graeme Bate second Forty Twenty tr. John Heard and third Melandri tr. Robert Britton

2009 Blue Paws Super Series Final at Wentworth Park on August 24, 2009 - Presentation Winner Mighty Albert is pictured here with trainer Norm Becroft, his wife Tracey and their daughter Kaitlyn together with GBOTA Deputy Executive Officer Jeff Browne. The winner's time for the 520 metres was a slick 30.15 after a smart heat win in 30.07. The Becrofts earned a healthy $10,200 for the two wins including the double Blue Paws bonus of $4000. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
2009 Tedesco Menswear Chairman's Cup presentation won by Amity Bale tr. Graeme Bate. Second was Reign Over Me tr. Michael Cope and third Jarvis Bale tr. Graeme Bate. Pic courtesy ig Youll
2009 Paws Of Thunder Presentation winner Cindeen Shelby tr. Kel Greenough second Take The Kitty tr Ken Cheetham and third Snozz tr Jason Mackay. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
“ Happy 80 th Sam Digiorgio Stake” FFA 520m Wentworth Park October 10, 2009. Winner - Bell's Pace trained by Sam Sultana , handled by Luke Azzopardi. Sam (second from right) and staff are pictured after the race. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
Gold Slammer Presentation at Wentworth Park October 24, 2009 following the greyhound's retirement. Pictured are (left to right) Jack and Heather Sepple, Jamie McFarlane and his wife Sharon and their sons Oscar and Fletcher. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
2009 Schweppes Vic Peters Presentation winner Dancing Surf tr. Tracey Hurst second Pedrosa tr. Paul Stuart third Puddy Muddles tr. Allan Manwaring Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
“Winners are grinners!' GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas with sponsor's representative Tony Coorey (Schweppes State New Business Manager) beside a delighted Tracey Hurst together with connections of Dancing Surf. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
Champion boxer Danny Green was the NSW GBOTA's special guest to support the Group 1 Schweppes Vic Peters Classic final on Saturday October 31, 2009. Danny presented the trophy to the winner of race 5 named in his honour and met with fans and signed autographs and the commemorative race book specially printed for the occasion. There was a lucky draw for special guests and patrons in the “Green Zone” at the first floor function for a pair of boxing gloves and poster autographed by Danny. There was a also a raffle conducted on course for everyone to participate in – with a second pair of boxing gloves and a poster autographed by Danny as the first prize. Spencer Wilson Wins Danny Green Boxing Gloves Lucky Draw The first floor Lucky Draw for the autographed Danny Green boxing gloves and poster was won by Spencer Wilson, who was there with his mum and dad as guests of Tanya Greenwood of Terra Plana Shoes in Newtown. Spencer and his parents joined Tanya, husband Ross and son Mitch and their other guests for a very enjoyable night in the “Green Zone” – a night topped off beautifully by Spencer's luck in winning the exclusive “Danny Green” special edition green boxing gloves personally signed by Danny. A delighted Spencer is pictured here with Danny Green.
Keen Fans Win Raffle Prize Of Danny Green Boxing Gloves Catherine and Luke Battese made a special trip down from Thornton near Maitland to catch up with Danny Green at Wentworth Park. Their most optimistic wishes came true when their names came out of the barrel to win the first prize in the big raffle conducted on course for all patrons in attendance. Special edition “Green Machine” boxing gloves and poster all signed by Danny Green were the prize. Catherine and Luke are pictured below following their collecting their prize and catching up with Danny in the autograph signing area on the ground floor of the grandstand on Saturday.
Veteran Trainer wins Danny Green Stake Veteran trainer Ken Cheetham was delighted to win the race named in honour of Danny Green, the GBOTA's special guest for Saturday's Vic Peters Classic final. Ken won race 5 the “Green v Jones Stake” a FFA over the 520 metres with his outstanding performer Take The Kitty. Take The Kitty's win was outstanding –the margin was an ever increasing 9 ¼ lengths and the time was a sizzling 29.79. Ken was delighted with the performance of his very talented greyhound which has now won 11 and placed second three times from 18 starts at Wentworth Park over the 520 (best 29.75). Ken was doubly pleased to have the opportunity to receive the trophy from Danny Green and to chat with the champion boxer. A delighted Ken Cheetham is pictured with Danny Green after Take The Kitty's outstanding win – together with GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll
GBOTA Stalwart Pat West and Danny Green Pat West who was instrumental in providing the contacts for the GBOTA in organising Danny Green's appearance in support of the 2009 Group 1 Schweppes Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park is pictured here with Danny. The GBOTA is indebted to Pat West for her contributions and support in helping to make this occasion a wonderful success. Pat is pictured here with Danny at the Gala function on the first floor. Danny is pictured below, track side following his introduction to the crowd and later in the night with greyhounds from GRNSW's Greyhounds as Pets who were there on the night with Lara Griffin, Coordinator of Greyhounds as Pets, promoting the great work the program does in preparing and placing greyhounds as pets after they have finished racing.

Bondi Rescue Delight Wentworth Park Patrons The Wentworth Park meeting on October 31 also featured a special appearance by the cast of the highly successful television program Bondi Rescue. Cast members were special guests of the club for the First Floor Dinner, caught up with Danny Green and took place in a celebrity sprint race on the track in between races.
Below: Bondi Rescue cast members after the race with “Greyhounds As Pets” greyhounds that were present on the night to promote the great work they do in placing greyhounds in good homes after their racing careers are finished. Pic courtesy of Craig Youll. Below right: Bondi Rescue enjoying the hospitality at the Gala Function on the first floor.

2009 Pages Hire Summer Cup Presentation. Winner Amity Bale tr. Graeme Bate second Forty Twenty tr. John Heard and third Melandri tr. Robert Britton

Alexis Green winner of Ladies Bracelet Lucky Draw with Allan Evans of Evans and Son Jewellers and in second shot with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Havoc. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer
2009 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet Presentation shot Second pic: Alan Evans with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Hovoc with Alan's dad and a staff member of Evans and Son Jewellers. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer
Another shot trackside - Alan Evans with Vic Bartolo and Starfire Hovoc with Alan's dad and a staff member of Evans and Son Jewellers Second pic: Alan Evans of Evans & Son Jeweller with Bananarama and trainer Eric Castle and the diamond ring trophy crafted by Alan and his team. Pics courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park course photographer
Evans & Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet – Joy All Round On Saturday May 9, 2009 at Wentworth Park the feature was the Group 2 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet won by the outsider of the field Starfire Hovoc owned by Patricia Ferguson and trained by Vic Bartolo. Vic is always positive and cheerful and his attitude and approach to the sport is infectious. On Saturday he was rewarded handsomely with his first Group race win, with a winner's purse of $25,000. As is the custom with this event, the winner's trophy was a magnificent ladies bracelet crafted by the sponsors. Earlier in the night Steel In Tuned added extra joy to an extraordinary night for the same connections when it won race five on the program. Evans and Sons Jewellers' also crafted a diamond ring trophy for the supporting FFA event on the program won in fine style by Bananarama trained by Eric Castle. Fittingly the owner is Eric's wife Marlene and she was absolutely delighted to be receiving this lovely piece of jewellery. There was further joy for another lucky lady on the night when the Ladies Bracelet Lucky Draw was conducted. Again, as is customary for this meeting on the eve of Mothers' Day, all ladies present were invited to participate in a lucky draw, where the prize was another magnificent ladies bracelet crafted by the sponsors. The delighted winner was Alexis Green (pictured above with Alan Evans and with the winner) who was part of a group celebrating a birthday party in the first floor function centre. Alexis was overjoyed at her win. She said her win was a fabulous surprise and topped off a wonderful night of fun and excitement at the greyhounds.
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