Shima Shine Breezes Into Horsham Cup Final

PART-OWNER Bob Cummings is rising 73 and his health has not been the best, but when Shima Shine smashes another track record it certainly perks him up.

Bob shares ownership with Dave Gleeson of the fabulous Shima Shine (Barcia Bale-Shima Song) who on Friday afternoon broke the 485m track record on his way to victory in a heat of the Group 2 Horsham Cup.

He had already broken records at Ballarat, Bendigo and Warragul and run a tick off the record at Bulli.

Shima Shine ran 26.79 to eclipse the previous record held by Orson Allen at 26.87 set in 2019.

“Bob's health has not been the best and Shima Shine is keeping him going,” said Dave Gleeson.

“And, I'm even making sure he come to The Meadows with me tonight.”

That will be as part of the celebrations when Shima Shine's younger half sister Shima Breeze contests the Group 1 Australian Cup final.

“It's difficult to get Bob to the races at the best of times,” said Dave. “But, he's coming tonight.”

Of the remarkable Shima Shine, Gleeson was high in his praise.

“Do you know, we think he is getting better as he gets older,” he said. “He turned three in November but seems to be racing better than ever.”

Shima Shine has already won the G1 Topgun and Gold Bullion and been in the finals of the G1 Melbourne Cup, Topgun, Silver Chief, Temlee and was runner-up in the Million Dollar Chase.

Gleeson admitted Shima Shine is the best greyhound he and Bob Cummings have raced.

“His record shows that, and he's far from finished yet,” he said.

Gleeson is adamant Shima Shine will not retire to stud early as in the case of many high class gallopers.

“You are a long time retired,” said Dave. “Look at Usain Bolt. He's never been seen again.”

Of Shima Shine's chances in next week's Horsham Cup final Gleeson is confident.

“He's drawn well in the seven and the dogs in the six and eight do not have great early pace which should suit him,” he said.

Other heats of the Cup went to Fabriola Zad in 27.13, Aston Cade in 27.26, Jax Bale in 27.08, and Jim Zarr Dashian in 27.11.

The Dailly kennel has four Cup finalists, Jason Thompson two and Brooke Ennis and Brett Nye with one each.

Horsham Cup (box draw): 1 Jax Bale, 2 Jim Zarr Dashian, 3 Aussie Secret, 4 Mr America, 5 Barooga Smoke, 6 Aston Cade, 7 Shima Shine, 8 Fabriola Zad.