Grief's Thunderbolt Hopes Sealed With A Kiss

WIN, lose or draw in Saturday night's The Thunderbolt (350m) at Grafton, trainer John Grief plans to lap up every moment of the joyous occasion.

Londonderry-based Grief, who gave up his job two years ago to dive headfirst into full time training, is represented by Running Reds in the world's richest sprint race which carries a rich first prize of $75,000.

FIELDS AND FORM GRAFTON SATURDAY

"It's by far the biggest race I've been in so I'm going up there to enjoy it and take it all in," Grief enthused.

"But we aren't there to make up the numbers either. I truly believe he's a genuine winning chance and I can see him getting the run of the race from box eight. It's where he wants to be.”

Upset!
The reserve, Running Reds, has won Thunderbolt ⚡Semi-Final 3 for John Grief from Rushforth Ally in 19.92!

Full Results: https://t.co/o97NzBX197#thedogs #TheThunderbolt #thunderbolt #Grafton #GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/WmZovjXIBb

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) June 18, 2023

Winner at 10 of his 19 career starts with a further seven placings, Running Reds has proven to be a revelation for Grief, winning a stack of races at his home track at Richmond.

But to qualify for The Thunderbolt, Grief elected to bypass the Richmond qualifiers and instead head to Grafton where he finished third in a heat, relegating the son of Pindari Express to just second reserve for the semi-finals.

As luck would have it, two scratchings in last Sunday's third semi-final booked Running Reds a place in the field, which he made full use of, leading all-the-way in a slick 19.92 at odds of 25/1.

"He'd had a few trials at Grafton going into the series and the mindset was if he's going to win it that's where he had to fire," Grief said.

"It's a fabulous track Grafton. They got it absolutely spot on – I couldn't fault it.

"Every dog gets its chance and that adds to why I'm confident we can run a race in the final.

“His first two sections were the best of the semi-finals as well.”

Bookmaker Tab.com.au has Running Reds at $12 for his Thunderbolt quest with speed freak Vamoose (box two) favourite at $3.20 just ahead of his kennel-mate and fastest qualifier Johnny Red (box one) at $3.70.

"Johnny Red should get a great run from the inside and obviously Vamoose is going to be hard to beat as well," Grief added.

"But with so many good dogs trying to get to the same spot at the same time if they come together my dog might just get the run. One thing about him is that he won't crash down."

Despite enjoying a lifelong association in greyhound racing, it's really been the past two years that Grief has begun reaping the rewards of that hard work and dedication, winning 51 races in the last 12 months alone.

We're in for a cracking GRNSW Thunderbolt ⚡ Final this Saturday, June 24 at Grafton!

Congratulations to our finalists! ?

Get your FREE tickets to final night: https://t.co/W6FhV06Y2j

#thedogs #TheThunderbolt #thunderbolt #Grafton #GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/6TyvjdRius

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) June 19, 2023

"Things are going along great but I've been around long enough to know that for every up there's a down as well," Grief said.

"That's why I'm heading up to Grafton on Saturday planning to enjoy the occasion whatever the result. But I know I've got the dog capable of running a big race if things fall into place.

“I plan to drive home Sunday morning but if we win it'll a bit later. There'll be some celebrating to do first.”