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  • Sunday, 27 Apr, 2014,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

On Dop Of The World

WARRNAMBOOL CUP CAMPAIGN BRINGS UNTOLD EXCITEMENT

 

There isn’t a person more excited about Wednesday night’s 2014 Norlane Hotel Warrnambool Cup than Marlene Dopper.
 
Marlene, who works in the health industry, and has been training greyhounds for only three years, and she has only two racing greyhounds in her kennel, littermates Godric Gryfindor and Lavender Brown.

Godric Gryfindor (El Galo x Martha Spinco) won his way into the Warrnambool Cup final when beating a field that included the likes of Empire Allen and Whata Good Size in the smart time of 25.15sec.

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This will be the Lara trainer’s first runner in a group race final.

“This is all very new to me and I can’t tell you how excited I am to have a runner in a big race like the Warrnambool Cup.”

“I can’t describe the buzz of watching your own greyhounds compete in any race, no matter where it is, and to be involved in a race of this calibre really sets my heart racing.”

“I remember loading him into the boxes in his heat and it was such an amazing feeling when I saw him out in front. I love watching my dogs race live rather than looking at the television screen, and when he crossed the line in front I was jumping up and down with excitement.”
 
Marlene got involved in greyhounds through her daughter Lisa, who is married to greyhound breeder and trainer Ian Cockerall.

 

 

“I have followed my daughter into greyhound racing because it’s nice to be involved with what your kids are doing. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

 

“Ian and Lisa bred this litter and sadly the dam of these two (Martha Spinco) has passed away, but our memory of her is living on through her pups.”

“She was an incredible mother. She didn’t leave her pups side until they were seven months old.”

“Godric Gryfindor and Lavender Brown are such honest chasers. They obviously can’t win every time they race, but I love the fact that I know that they always try really hard and when they don’t win it’s only because they were beaten by a better greyhound on the night,” she said.

Godric Gryfindor has exceeded Marlene’s early expectations of him.

“It wasn’t so long ago that I thought that he wouldn’t race any further than 400 metres at (our local track) Geelong. But he has raced in the city and is now in a Warrnambool Cup final, which is like a dream comet true.”

“Win, lose or draw on Wednesday night I will be the most excited person at the track, and if he happens to run a place I honestly won’t be able to contain myself. I think I’ll be screaming so loud that people will think he’s won,” she laughed.

“It’s a tough final but he is as hard as nails. He’s not the quickest dog in the race but he is drawn in Box 8, which should suit him because he can avoid interference and you never know your luck.”

Godric Gryfindor has had 38 starts for 12 wins and 12 placings, while he has earned $40,000 in prize money.

If he wins the Warrnambool Cup he will more than double his career earnings, the there is a first prize of $43,750 up for grabs.

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Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

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