Zipping Joey (left) makes his winning run to land victory in the Cystic Fibrosis Stake (320m) at Wagga Showground on Sunday. Picture: Les Smith
GREYHOUND RACING
WAGGA couple Tia and Ian Robertson have wasted no time in making an impact with the latest addition to their successful greyhound racing kennel.
In a training coup, the Robertsons struck with Zippy Joey at the Wagga Showground meeting on Sunday only weeks after he arrived at their property.
Making his debut for the Robertson kennel, Zippy Joey ($3.00 fav) showed courage to edge out Secret Mystery ($14.70) in the Cystic Fibrosis Stake (320 metres) on Sunday.
Recalling the first-up victory yesterday, Ian Robertson said the success had not been unexpected.
"We trialled him at Wagga the Sunday before last and he went pretty well," Robertson said yesterday.
"We thought he had a good chance and we backed him last night."
Robertson admitted his enthusiasm for Zippy Joey's chances was not just based on the dog's trial performance.
"We only bought the dog a couple of weeks ago and we were told he was desperate for the outside," Robertson said.
"So when he drew box eight we thought that had to make a difference."
With the favourable draw, Zippy Joey stayed out of strife in the opening stages of the race, but was still inconvenienced on the bend before just getting up in the last few bounds.
"He (Zipping Joey) was pushed a bit wide on the turn but he just stuck his neck out at the end," Robertson said.
"I suppose we were lucky, but it was pretty exciting."
For the Robertsons, the quick return with Zippy Joey continued their recent run of success with a small team of greyhounds.
On Sunday, the couple landed a winning double in the opening two races, with Aqua Wolfe snatching victory in the first event and Zippy Joey taking out the second.
After trailing Enjoy A Glass ($1.90) to the home bend, Aqua Wolf ($11.20) zoomed along the inside to overwhelm the favourite in the last 30 metres.
Robertson said Aqua Wolf's success was also not a total surprise.
"It was a very good race, probably as good a race as you get in Wagga," Robertson said.
"The main thing is Aqua Wolf is desperate for the inside and got a good run from box two.
"You always need some luck."
Regular winners at Wagga, the Robertson have only three dogs in training at the moment and one is recovering from injury.
"It's always good to get a couple of winners," he said.
"They help to pay the bills."
