Grafton Stalwart Eyes Lucrative Payday

DES Winters has been a fixture around Grafton for as long as he can remember, once president and now vice-president, but on Saturday night he is hoping to make an ever greater impression on the club.

Des and Bob MacMurray have Rushforth Ally (Aston Dee Bee-Len's Pick) in the final of The Thunderbolt (350m) chasing a rich $75,000 pay day.

FIELDS AND FORM GRAFTON SATURDAY

“We are just happy to be there, but we also think he has a great chance despite his box four,” said Des.

Rushforth Ally was second to Running Reds in a Thunderbolt semi-final last Sunday night beaten two lengths after blowing the start.

“He could not come out that bad again,” lamented Des.

“He missed it completely.”

Rushforth Ally, bought by Bob as a pup, has started 25 times for 12 wins and six placings earning $26,000.

“It's been a very good litter,” said Des. “He was a late starter because he had a few niggling problems as a youngster.

“We got him going but then he almost tore a back muscle which put him out for three months.

“But he has come back in great form.”

Des Winters is the only Grafton local through to the GRNSW Thunderbolt ⚡ final – we spoke to him after the box draw to see how he rated his chaser Rushforth Ally's (4) chances….

#thedogs #TheThunderbolt #thunderbolt #Grafton #GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/XUs9CIFW5F

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) June 18, 2023

He certainly has winning six of his past eight starts over 350m and 450m at Grafton in impressive style including a 25.38 over the longer journey.

“Yes, the Grafton Sprinters Cup during the July carnival is likely to be his target,” said Des.

“He just loves the Grafton track.”

Des rates the rails runner, Johnny Red, the hardest to beat, but he has great respect for Robert Cooke's Cash Destroyer.

“It is hard to line them all up because most are not locals,” he said.

“Cookie's bitch is very strong and if she gets a clear run at them she will be hard to beat as well.”

Des had to scratch Rushforth Ally from the Grafton Cup a few months back when he split a toenail in a gallop up the straight prior to the final.

It allowed Robert Cooke's star Cash Master to get into the race off the rails and win brilliantly.

Des was Grafton Club president when the track went to loam, then took a long break from committee duties before making a return “about seven years ago”.

“I've been involved with the club since Moses had measles,” he joked.