Sniff at the stiff competition

Healesville Greyhound Association manager Lee Fahry gave cup contender IMA Geisha Girl and trainer Jason Thompson a glimpse of the coveted trophy ahead of next week’s Cup meeting. Picture KATH GANNAWAY 93457_01

IMA Geisha Girl had a chance on Sunday to sniff out the competition for next week’s $42,000 Healesville Greyhound Association Cup.
And the Jason Thompson-trained brindle had a little sniff at the trophy that could be hers if she has what it takes against some very stiff opposition.
She qualified in race seven of the cup heats on Sunday along with ‘stable-mates’ El Brooklyn and Exclusive One.
Also in the race will be Classy Maldini, Nico Bale, Paw Licking, Nitro Cee, Farmor Las Vegas with Early Return and Nolen qualifying as reserves.
IMA Geisha Girl will have to pull something special out of the bag to take first-place honours with Nitro Cee looking for back-to-back cups after winning the Warragul Cup in January and Classy Maldini, the current Healesville track record holder showing exceptional form in her heat.
HGA manager Lee Fahry is looking forward to her first Healesville Cup meeting and the chance to share the club‘s biggest day of the year with the community.
Ms Fahry said for anyone who hasn’t been out to the track before, Cup Day is a great opportunity to enjoy everything greyhound racing at Healesville has to offer, and more.
In addition to a premium day of racing, Camp Australia will be running activities for children.
There will be running races for children and trainers, raffles with great prizes and Yarra Valley FM will be doing a live broadcast of its Sunday show from the track.
The undercover dining area with adjoining al fresco deck provides a great place to enjoy lunch, and there is plenty of space for a BYO picnic.
For the kids there’s a great playground, and lots of running space.
Punters are well catered for, too, with an on-course bookmaker as well as TAB facilities and Sky Channel .
The Cup is on Sunday, 10 February starting at 1pm with admission $6 for adults, $4 concession and children under 16 are free.
For more information call the Healesville Greyhound Racing Club on 5962 2420 or visit Healesville@grv.org.au .