The rich Pink Diamond series got underway at Shepparton today with potential stars of the sport unveiled in Maiden heats.

None were more impressive than the well named Zeus Thunderbolt in the opening heat of the Pink Diamond Maiden Sprinter over 450m. He won easily and his time of 24.986 is the 17th fastest set at Shepparton this year with only proven rockets ahead of him.

He has the Greenough/Sprod combination behind him who are most famously known for their Wow She’s Fast journey and they look to have a serious successor on their hands.

WATCH: Zeus Thunderbolt (8) breaks ’25’ on debut

Earlier on the card Pink Diamond Maiden Short Course heats were run over 390m and time honours went to County Kildare with 22.14 for David Geall.

It was a clean sweep for trainer Rob Bean arriving with three debutants and leaving with three winners. Atomic Secret, Stojanovic and Ruthless Secret are the first greyhounds to race sired by 2021 G1 Hobart Thousand winner, Aussie Secret.

WATCH: Ruthless Secret (7) completes the hat-trick

Semi-finals of both the Pink Diamond Maiden Sprinter and Maiden Short Course will be run next Monday at Shepparton.

Heats of remaining Pink Diamond events will be run at Ballarat and Warragul this Thursday as well as Geelong and Bendigo on Friday.

All events culminate on Saturday June 15 at Shepparton which will see over $560,000 in prizemoney up for grabs on the night which includes breeders bonuses. Click here for series breakdown

On the night – Win up to $1000 thanks to Sportsbet. Music by 2023 ‘The Voice’ contestant Shanae Watson. Gin, whiskey and vodka tastings thanks to 36SHORT. Plus half price food and beverage for all registered participants.