Hooked On Scotch's Stud Stocks On The Rise

TWELVE months ago, the greyhound racing world sat up and took notice as Hooked On Scotch staged an unbelievable performance to run down fellow champions Whiskey Riot and Sennachie to score a narrow but dramatic victory in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup.

For the Puleio family, who bred and owns the great son of Barcia Bale and Nicki Fields, it was a defining moment in many glorious performances from the dog in a short but hugely successful racing career.

“Adelaide Cup time brings back some very good memories,” said Darren Puleio.

Fast forward 12 months to today and Hooked On Scotch is making waves in an entirely different field and still the greyhound world is taking notice.

That's because, while Hooked On Scotch is already serving some outstanding race bitches and producers, he still is making waves around the world.

“It is amazing but we have had interest in the dog's stud career from Ireland and England, Germany and even in Hungary,” said Darren.

“Yes, Germany and Hungary.”

Puleio is delighted with the leading breeders who have jumped in to take early advantage of Hooked On Scotch's stud career.

“We are especially happy that Dave Pringle has mated Midnight Dare to him, one of his first matings,” said Darren.

Midnight Dare went 29.55 at Wentworth Park and was a finalist in the Group 2 McKenna Memorial and Group 3 Speed Star.

Others mated to the dual group 1 winner include Lagoon Prissy, a half-sister to Golden Easter Egg runner-up Lagoon Jazzy and group star Ritza Lenny, now forging a successful stud career of his own.

The regally bred Winsome April is another mated to him – a finalist in the Group 3 Summer Cup.

And the highly proven producer My Lady Day is another of those mated.

She is the dam of group performers Hardaway Titan, Hardaway Harada and Cee Jay's Boy … just to name a few.

Others to join court are Judgematic, Alpha Phoebe, Neytiri Queen, Aston Midori, Bags On Shazza, Aeroplane Beth and Cudgee's Jayne.

“We've been lucky,” said Darren.

“His fertility is good and while most are being sold, we are getting a small window of opportunity to store some as well.

“We are very happy with the way he has been received at stud.

“How 12 months can change everything in greyhound racing. Last year we were on top of the world when he staged a remarkable racetrack performance to win the Cup in Adelaide.

“But we are anxiously awaiting his first puppies and his own racetrack stars.

"So far so good."