The latest Victorian news in the world of greyhound racing is published every Saturday in Melbourne’s highest selling newspaper, the Herald Sun. Read about the cat that invaded Shepparton, Zambora Blueboy’s retirement & more.

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CRICKET GREATS WATCH RACE SIDE BY SIDE

Aussie paceman James Pattinson got one up on his former Test Skipper Ricky Ponting when the duo’s greyhounds went head to head in Race 10 at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

The cricket identities, who are Sandown regulars, were at the track for the race, and stood shoulder to shoulder throughout what was a tense tussle.

Just a head separated Pattinson’s Beckenbauer and Ponting’s Rumbling Rick at the finish line, as they ran second and third respectively behind the winner Crawf’s Bread.

Incidentally, Beckenbauer is trained by Pattinson’s brother Darren, the Aussie who famously played one test for England.

Pictured above: Trainer Darren McDonald & Ricky Ponting with Rumbling Rick, James & Darren Pattinson with Beckenbauer.
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CAT ON TRACK

Vision of a cheeky feline that made its way on to the Shepparton greyhound track during the club’s race meeting on Monday made the news on Channel 9 and 10.

Fortunately, the cat’s presence went unnoticed, despite being within just a few metres of the passing greyhounds, who were all transfixed on the mechanical lure.
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Replay – Cat on track at Shepparton:
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Meanwhile, in other Cat-related news, Geelong footballers Steve Motlop, Billie Smedts and Shane Kersten were at the greyhound races at Beckley Park on Monday as Premier Denis Napthine announced a $247,020 investment in the upgrade of the main entrance to the greyhound track and a new outdoor generator for the harness racing track.
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ZAMBORA BLUEBOY RETIRES

Plans for coursing superstar Zambora Blueboy to chase a hat-trick of Waterloo Cup wins have been shelved, with the greyhound retiring after injuring his chest in a trial.

Zambora Blueboy remains unbeaten in 22 coursing starts and was the winner of the 2012 & 2013 Waterloo Cups, the 2013 Coursing Greyhound of the year and the 2013 People’s Choice for Most Popular Greyhound.
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HOOKSY AMONG MATURITY HOPEFULS

Group racing now moves to The Meadows, with 12 heats of the Group 1 Maturity Classic (525m) to be run on Saturday night where young guns Luca Neveelk, Campaspe Will, Hooksy and last week’s Bendigo Cup winner Warrior King are among the big names competing.
The series will run over the next three Saturdays, with the final – to be run on 26 July – carrying a first prize of $100,000.

The Meadows Formguide: Click here
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