Fiji Flavour To Dirk's Group 2 Win

CHECKING into a Fiji resort on Tuesday afternoon cost Canterbury trainer Craig Roberts the opportunity of watching his greyhound Dirk Bale win the Far South Challenge at Group 2 level.

"I had just completed our check in when I realized Dirk was racing. I brought up the TAB stream on my phone and all I saw was Bobby (Blackburn, handler) bringing Dirk back – apart from that I knew nothing until you rang me," commented Roberts.

Dirk Bale, who is a son of Fernando Bale and Langi Bale, was the warm race favourite from the six trap after his solid 25.86 457m heat win two weeks ago.

He came away nicely although he was matched by two Dave and Jean Fahey trained contenders Grid Lock and To The Nail from the inside traps.

Rounding the big, sweeping Ascot Park bend it was Grid Lock who held the rail, with Dirk Bale sitting on his outer. Grid Lock held the advantage when turning in for the long home and he dug in deeply.

It was only over the last thirty odd metres that Dirk Bale's greater strength told as he eased clear to secure his win by a length, clocking 25.85.

"That's brilliant – I'm rapt for Dirk. He has been competitive dog all season," added Roberts.

Back in March Dirk Bale won the $88,000 Auckland Cup.

Dirk Bale's litter brothers Allen Ablett and Avenger Bale were also Group 1 winners during the season for Roberts and their owner Jan Wheeler with Allen Ablett being the first ever Group 1 victor for his super sire dad Fernando Bale.

Earlier on Tuesday's Ascot Park card the John McInerney prepared ageless phenomenon Wheelchair Norm won his 97th career race.

It was an astounding effort as the 5.5 year old chaser also broke his own Ascot Park 390m track record when he clocked 22.06 (was 22.08).

McInerney restricts Wheelchair Norm racing activities to the two southern most located Kiwi tracks on Tuesday afternoons which is a program that Norm thrives on. His 97 wins has come from 196 races and his stake earning currently sits at $174,129.