Hobby greyhound trainer Craig Hughes feels completely immersed in greyhound racing’s Red Dog Run initiative – and with good reason…

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Greyhound racing is currently in the midst of its Red Dog Run initiative, with Greyhound Racing Victoria donating $250 to the 2016 Anzac Appeal every time a dog wearing the red number one rug wins a race in Victoria leading into Anzac Day.

Lara trainer Craig Hughes was ecstatic when his greyhound Macey Blue won wearing the red rug at Warragul on Tuesday, the opening day of the week-long campaign.

“My grandmother, who is the sole survivor of her family’s generation, celebrated her 90^th birthday on Tuesday and she was listening to the race on the radio with family. She is well aware of the Red Dog Run initiative.”

“Her husband (Hughes’ grandfather) was in World War II with his brother and brother in law in Boganville, PNG in 1945. He was discharged shortly before the war ended through war injuries, including being shot in the arm. The war ended weeks after his return.”

“My grandmother, who is the sole survivor of her family’s generation, celebrated her 90^th birthday on Tuesday and she was listening to the race on the radio with family. She is well aware of the Red Dog Run initiative” – CRAIG HUGHES

“My great grandfather fought in World War I. He went missing in action presumed dead in Fromelles, France in 1915. He turned up a year later in a wounded soldier’s hospital in London with severe injuries including shrapnel in the brain, head, arms and legs. He was repatriated to Australia some time later where he was reunited with his family, and died of his war injuries a few years later.”

Hughes said it was a privilege to have a direct involvement in the Red Dog Run campaign.

“With Macey Blue drawing the red box at Warragul, it felt like her win for the Anzac Appeal was meant to be,” he said.

“My entire family are dedicated to the Anzac spirit and attend Anzac Day ceremonies around Victoria, and it was an honour to win a race associated with the Anzac Appeal.”

Hughes plans to match the Anzac Appeal donation with prize money won by Macey Blue on the night.

“I will be matching the donation of $250 from the GRV to the Anzac Appeal, and I encourage other winning trainers to also donate to the cause,” Hughes said.
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CLICK HERE to donate to the 2016 ANZAC Appeal.

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LISTEN: Croc Media’s Craig Hutchison, Liam Pickering & Dr. Turf speak with Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Louise Martin about GRV’s ‘Red Dog Run’ campaign, which is raising money for the RSL’s 2016 Anzac Appeal.