Victoria’s 2018 coursing season will draw to a close this weekend at Lang Lang with the running of the 145th Waterloo Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
With over $25,000 in prize money to be won across the weekend, nominations are expected to be high for Australia’s oldest greyhound race.
“Having 145 years of history makes the event very special and with names like Byamee and Silver Chief on the trophy, who wouldn’t want their dog’s name inscribed on the same piece of silverware? It takes a very special dog to go undefeated through six courses over two days,” said National Coursing Association President, Peter Craig.
With coursing numbers on the rise in 2018, the NCA is hopeful of receiving close to the ideal number of 64 nominations for the Waterloo Cup, which boasts a first prize of $12970 plus sash and trophy.
The Waterloo Cup also boasts consolation races, the Waterloo Plate, Waterloo Purse and GOTBA Challenge for greyhounds knocked out in the first, second and third rounds respectively.
However, it is not just about the Waterloo Cup this weekend, as there’ll be plenty of opportunities for trainers to nominate their greyhounds for a host of Sunday-only events.
“Sunday is the perfect time to enter as all the top dogs are having a go at the Waterloo Cup. We’ll have Veteran, Maiden and Puppy events make up the supporting card, in which greyhounds will compete up to three times on the day. And it may show up a future coursing star for next season,” Craig said.
He added that the Waterloo Cup was a great opportunity for people to experience the unique atmosphere that coursing provides, even if you don’t have a greyhound competing.
“Coursing always has a picnic atmosphere and a great time is had by all. It’s also a great opportunity for trainers who have never coursed before to come along and learn,” Craig said.
“If greyhound enthusiasts are at Lang Lang either on Saturday or Sunday afternoon watching the greyhounds later in the day as they take on their 2nd and 3rd courses for the day, it will give them a new respect for the bravery of our dogs. They can also have a chat with trainers about their race day procedures and feeding regimes to pick up a few tips.”
Nominations for the 2018 Waterloo Cup weekend close on Thursday, 16 August at 8.30am with fasttrack.grv.org.au
