DENISE and Dennis Robinson headed home to Condong on the Northern Rivers of NSW on Thursday night having landed a winner at Albion Park … but more disappointed than they have ever been in greyhound racing.
They won with Jerry in a 520m 5th Grade but Jerry left them shaking their heads about the untapped ability he had but rarely showed.
Jerry dashed to the front at the top of the straight but then turned on Daysea’s Rowdy and fought him, into the running rails but still had the momentum to come back and win the race.
“I’m rising 80 and got my first dog when I was 11 years old,” said Dennis. “I’ve had some great dogs over all those years but I’ve never had one as quick as Jerry.”
The Robinsons knew only too well the ability, but also the tricks, Jerry had in his repertoire when they took over his training for a syndicate that included leading thoroughbred trainer Desleigh Forster and the family of former legend harness trainer/driver Kevin Thomas.
“He needed to be cleared over 600 metres at Albion Park so we trialled him there in preparation for that and he went 34.40,” said Dennis.
The track record is held by Champagne Sally at 34.43.
“But, in the stewards’ trial he did exactly what he did on Thursday night.”
Jerry was on his “last chance” for the Robinsons and he will now be retired as a pet.
“We are well aware we do not want him to harm someone else’s dog,” said Dennis.
“The girls in the syndicate are on the lookout for a replacement already.”
In preparation for Thursday night’s race, Jerry slipped post to post at Albion Park in a phenomenal 23.75.
“As I said, in all the years we’ve been in greyhound racing, we’ve never had a dog as quick,” said Dennis.