The next generation of greyhound owners may be green, but they appreciate the purity of greyhound racing.

While some seasoned owners and trainers are only interested in greyhounds with city potential, the new age owner, the likes of which we will see at the 2014 Ready 2 Race Sales at Bendigo in November, are far more interested in the social benefits of the sport than monetary gain.

Take David Symons, for instance, who bought his first greyhound with a group of former footy teammates at the 2013 Ready 2 Race Sales.

Symons, 21, grew up in Bendigo but he is now settled in Geelong, and the purchasing of a greyhound named Pentapod has kept him and his mates in regular contact even though they have gone their separate ways.

“A group of five of us played footy together in the Under 18s at Golden Square. We decided to put in a bit of money together to buy a pup at the 2013 Ready 2 Race Sales,” Symons said.

“We got some advice from a greyhound trainer named Don McCardy, who we knew through other circles, and he helped us pick out Pentapod.”

“We all put in $350 each and it has been worth every cent.”

“It brings all the boys together. We’ve gone to see her race seven or eight times and watching your own greyhound race is the ultimate thrill, even though it’s out of your control.”

“It’s a money can’t buy experience and I’m very keen to do it again.”

“She usually only races for Tier 3 prize money but it’s exciting regardless.”

After being purchased for $1,800 Pentapod has had a few different trainers and is now being prepared by Sebastian Gibilisco. He has had 31 starts for two wins and 12 placings, and had earned $2,555 in prize money.

“It (the Ready 2 Race Sales) is the perfect way to get involved in the sport because you know what you are going to get,” Symons added.

“With a young pup it is hit and miss but at Ready 2 Race you get what you pay for.”

“I’ve had about 10 mates that are keen to jump on board with us in the next greyhound we buy.”

“It’s looking like we will all put in about $1,000 each, so we should hopefully get something pretty good from the Sales this year.”

There are plenty of other young people who, like Symons and his mates, would love to get into greyhound racing, and the Ready 2 Race Sales are the perfect way to make it happen.
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Related
The Truth About the 2013 Ready 2 Race Sales
Are You Ready 2 Race Your Very Own Greyhound?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bargain Buys From the 2013 R2R Sales

ZELEMAR DIVA
Sale price: $7,000; Prize money: $33,000

SISCO GOOD
Sale price: $10,000; Prize money: $35,000

SCANZ CHOICE
Sale price: $1,800; Prize money: $12,000

KETUT’S KAPUT
Sale price: $6,500; Prize money: $20,000

*Prize money figures as at 15.10.2014
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Watch: Robert Britton on the Ready 2 Race Sales Concept
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Pictured top: Pentapod winning a heat of the 2013 Ready 2 Race Sales before being purchased by David Symons and his mates for $1,800.
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