Houdini Boy Puts On Another Magic Show

HOUDINI Boy continues to amaze greyhound fans with another dazzling last-to-first performance at Sandown Park, this time at his 595m debut.

HOUDINI Boy continues to amaze greyhound fans with another dazzling last-to-first performance at Sandown Park last night, this time on his 595m debut.

Making just his 12th race track appearance, Houdini Boy met some of the country's premier ‘middle distance' dogs including group 1 winners Hooked On Scotch and Perfect Marshall. He found himself a clear last soon after box rise and could still see the field as the group 1 winners jostled with Rockstar Prince for the lead with a lap to go.

As he has done consistently throughout his brief career, Houdini Boy rode a bump as he weaved his way through the field before unleashing his customary finishing burst, reeling in his more accomplished rivals to win by 5¼ lengths in a slick 33.88.

"That is something special indeed. Wow wee!" said race caller James Van de Maat following the win.

"He put away a field full of super stars and top line group race performers and made them look second rate."

His winning time was the fifth fastest of 2020 but it was the manner of the victory that continues to turn heads. His run home time – the time from the back split to the winning post – was an extraordinary (approximate) 10.45. For context, Tiggerlong Tonk – one of the country's premier sprinters – ran home in 10.74 over 515m.

"It's exciting," said handler Jackie Greenough.

"We're hoping he can stay because his box manners are horrendous, but he's always been clean winded and he's a fierce chaser. He's a genuine dog."

Houdini Boy has now won five of his 12 career starts and almost $45,000 in prize money. And while a staying career beckons, there are no immediate plans for their rising star.

"We might go to the Meadows, or we might come back here – he does seem to like it here. We'll have a look at what's on the calendar and see what happens."

Latest News Articles