CHARMER LODGE FEATURE NEWS - MAY 2005

SUPER SATURDAY SIZZLES AT WENTY FOR CHARMER LODGE!

A cold night in Sydney town did not stop the racing action from heating up on Saturday night (28.5.05), when some of the most accomplished sprinters and stayers from N.S.W and Victoria chased their way into a new chapter for N.S.W racing. The NCA in association with Charmer Lodge, have added 2 new feature races to the calendar to accommodate the already impressive feature race line up the NCA offers, both races are Best 8 races worth $15,000 to the winner. In the 520m edition victory went to the Victorian Collide running 29.97 in a Wentworth Park personal best.when the lids flew open Collide showed his customary box speed to lead clearly and bolt away with the winners prize for Champion trainer Darren McDonald, the second prize went to a fellow Victorian in Trewly Special, who over came enormous difficulty to run the tear away leader down to 5 and a half lengths for Tina Womann and Denis Trewin, whilst third saw the ever consistent Benny's Toll run his usual honest race for Sydney"s Champion trainer Don McMillan. The 720m event like the 520m edition was a hot field of half milers and some up-and-coming superstars as well, Geoff Cook from Bow Bowing in Sydney's west has had plenty of success out of his top producer Crazy Habit with greyhounds the caliber of Dancing Habit and Nun's Habit all having the privilege of calling her their matron , and Shireen's Habit is no exception, after box rise this gutsy bold front running bitch, was 3 lengths in front at the winning post the first time to set up a commanding lead, whilst several group 1 dogs were chasing her, Shireen's Habit managed to starve off all that took her on to score over Thai Again, whilst Grecian Art ran an honest 3rd the time posted was 42.87, quite slow when you look at the field on paper but I'm sure Geoff Cook would not care if she ran 43.87 he still went home with the $15,000 prize. A big thank you must go to Steve & Marree Gyftos of Charmer Lodge whom have been very supportive with their sponsorship, and it was great to see to some their stud dogs parade before each race namely History Lesson and Most Awesome (Courtesy NCA Website) On Saturday night Charmer Lodge had the great pleasure in sponsoring the race program conducted by the NCA. On behalf of Charmer Lodge, I would like to extend our extreme gratitude in not only being able to be part of such a high quality race night, but also for the wonderful hospitality extended to us by the NCA. The NCA should be applauded for not only making us feel more than welcome, but also including the owners/trainers of some of our stud dogs and also welcoming their spouses. It is something that was certainly not overlooked by any of us in attendance. I would also like to once again congratulate the connections of the two feature races, the first being for Collide and Tony Lockett and Darren McDonald in the Charmer Lodge Best 8 sprint event. Such a quality field which contained many highly talented dogs. The same could also be said with the Charmer Lodge Best 8 distance event. In this event the eventual victor was Geoff Cook with Shireen's Habit and of course most would know my genuine affection for the Crazy Habit line as Geoff experienced many victories with Dancing Habit who was sired by Royal Assassin who stands at Charmer Lodge. It was a great honor to be able to present the trophies along with my daughter Amy, to the winning connections. And wasn't it wonderful to be able to see Most Awesome with Max Burdekin and History Lesson with Minnie Finn lead out the two feature events! They certainly did us proud, and Most Awesome I'm sure by his display, would have loved to been able to join the actual race as he was most disappointed to be led back to the kennels instead. I hope many of you enjoyed seeing these two wonderful dogs on display. All in all we had a wonderful night and I'm sure Charmer Lodge can look forward to many years of association with the NCA. Thank you to all who made the night possible. Helen Keegan Charmer Lodge

MOST AWESOME HAS SIRED HIS FIRST WINNER !!

VICTORY GLEN (Most Awesome x Katie's Victory) saluted at Goulburn first start in an absolutely flying 26.10 BOD. The whole litter is flying with a few more just about to hit the tracks. After the race it was reported connections knocked back a substantial offer as they feel the dog is going to be very special and are not prepared to let him go at this stage!

ROYAL ASSASSIN - NOW NEW SOUTH WALES'  NUMBER 2 SIRE !!

Royal Assassin is now NSW's number 2 sire and closing in on the Number 1 spot being only 42 wins behind the mighty Token Prince.