THE greyhound racing career of Swan Hill father and son duo Gerald and Matt Lanigan had another exciting highlight when their dog Zambora Blueboy was named Coursing Greyhound of the Year last Thursday evening.
Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Matt Lanigan said it was “really exciting” to be presented with the award at Sandown Greyhound Complex.
“It was a great privilege to win it that’s for sure,” he said.
Lanigan said Zambora Blueboy — whose kennel name is Charlie — had been known as the year’s best coursing greyhound after winning the 2013 Waterloo Cup.
“We hadn’t lost on the coursing track before so when it came down to the Waterloo Cup we knew if he got through he’d be right up there,” he said.
“When he won it that cemented his spot.”
The 2013 Waterloo Cup was Charlie’s second consecutive victory at the event — the first greyhound to win the industry’s most prestigious race twice since 1953.
For the Lanigans, the timing was also special because of the family’s history at the cup.
“All of dad’s family has been trying to win it since 1920 and then it fell on Father’s Day which made it even more special,” Lanigan said.
The three-year-old greyhound was going to head to this weekend’s Healesville Cup, but a hamstring injury, a trip to the vet, and some layoff time have put paid to that.
Lanigan said the dog would now likely be rested before an attempt at history later in the year.
“We’ll rest him up and try and be the first to win three straight Waterloo Cups,” he said.
Charlie is also in the running for Most Popular Greyhound of 2013, with fans able to follow his progress on Twitter @ZamboraBlueBoy1 or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ZamboraBlueBoy
The Lanigans now turn their attention to the Healesville Cup where Zambora Storm — one of their other six dogs — will compete.
Lanigan said he anticipated eight heats for the event, depending on entries.
The connections of the eventual winner will share in $50,000.
“If he can get the right box he should go alright hopefully. He’s been trying unbelievably lately,” Lanigan said.
Coursing events run across the state during the winter months, with greyhounds going head to head at knockout events to score points towards the Greyhound of the Year series.
