By Isaac Murphy
The Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club holds one of their most important nights of the year this Saturday, with the running of the 732 metre Beat Breast Cancer Cup. A big crowd is expected on track with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Queensland.
Club Manager Merv Page said the third annual running of the event was not only a great display of young stayers but raised invaluable funds for a cause that effects too many families.
“We first tied the race to breast cancer two years ago. One of the club’s trainers Robert Peschke, pitched the idea after his wife had suffered from the disease,” Page said.
“We thought it was a great opportunity. Firstly, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and also to make it a feature night on the calendar each year.”
2019 is the third annual running of the cup and the club is expecting its biggest night yet with plenty of action on and off the track.
“The last two years have been a big success with plenty of colour on track and we’re expecting an even bigger and better night this year,” Page said.
“We also have the Lady Trainers race, which fits perfectly with the flavour of the night and every pink box winner the club will donate $100 to the Breast Cancer Foundation.”
The Beat Breast Cancer Cup itself is restricted to 0 win greyhounds over the 700 metre range and gives young dogs a rare chance at a feature race.
“It’s a unique race. You don’t get too many races over the distance at the club and therefore is a really appealing option to trainers who are looking at developing young stayers,” Page said.
“Radar Gunn is the clear standout of the field, finishing second in the Queensland Nationals and producing a huge run to just get pipped in the Col Harris Gold Sovereign last week. She looks the class of the field, but anyone could win on their night.”
“The Queensland Stayers Circuit which kicked off a few weeks ago has already been warmly received by the club and trainers with plenty of nominations for our 630 metre events, which have been key lead ins to the Beat Breast Cancer Cup.”
There will be plenty happening off the track with Breast Cancer Queensland representatives working with the club to add plenty of life to the night.
“Talks have been going on with the Breast Cancer Foundation for the last two months on how to maximise the impact of the night,” Page said.
“We’ll have plenty of representatives there decked out in pink and are expecting the patrons to get involved as well. We’ve already booked out plenty of tables and we hope to raise our largest amount yet.”