Dutch Riot In Temlee Frame After Paws Heroics

COMEBACK sprinter Dutch Riot thrust himself into G1 Temlee contention with a resounding victory in the G1 Paws Of Thunder (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

Extending his unbeaten winning sequence to five upon his return from injury, Dutch Riot made full use of his ideal box one draw in the group 1 showpiece, punching through to lead before racing away to score in a fast 29.54.

Finishing the most gallant of seconds was My Hepburn while Nangar Larry lost no admirers finishing third.

For trainer Colin Bermingham and wife Sandra, Dutch Riot's Paws Of Thunder triumph was their first big race victory in their own right as trainers, after making the bold move to relocate to Victoria from NSW in 2019.

READ: Paws Looms Large For Record Breaking Dutch Riot

As owner-breeders, they have previously revelled in big race wins such as Mystic Riot in a Million Dollar Chase and Whiskey Riot in a Melbourne Cup, as well as a raft of other big race successes, including with Blue Sky Riot, the dam of Dutch Riot, in a National Futurity.

But after nursing Dutch Riot back from the sidelines and preparing him on their own, Sandra Bermingham couldn't hide her delight, the win carrying extra significance.

"It's moments like this that make it all worthwhile…"

The long, hard days and nights have paid off for the Berminghams and they now have a Group 1 to their name, after Dutch Riot won the @ladbrokescomau Paws of Thunder Final tonight at @wentyparkgreys!

We spoke to Sandra… pic.twitter.com/yHRBqdFY0o

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) January 20, 2024

"Col just took his time bringing him back … he might have been ready earlier but he just wanted to get it right and was so patient," Sandra said.

"After Dutch (Riot) broke the Warrnambool record we thought okay maybe he might be a little special and I think he's shown tonight he is just that.

"We are like everyone else. We put in the hard work seven days a week and you do it all for night's like this. It's just really special.

"I'm most happy for Col. This means the world to him."

Now a winner at 13 of his 21 starts, the rising three-year-old heads into the lucrative Australian Cup carnival at The Meadows as one of the sport's in form greyhounds.

And his group 1 heroics in Sydney might just be enough to secure him a place in the fast approaching Group 1 Temlee (525m), the invitational sprint event which launches the carnival.