Colin's First Albion Park Winner

IT'S been decades since the Shorter name was a household in greyhound racing in Queensland, back even to the Gabba days in the 90s.

The brothers Colin and Alf were major players for some years but drifted out of the industry.

Alf died some years ago, but his brother Colin has stayed in the racing game via his muscle checking of thoroughbreds and supply of a variety if treatments for all three codes.

Last Thursday night at Albion Park, Colin landed his first Albion Park winner when Deja Vu Rock stormed home to win a 520m Novice for new trainer Tony Apap.

The bitch was recently bought from Victoria after 10 starts as a maiden Colin clinching the deal because of her superb bloodlines. The daughter of Fernando Bale-Punk Rock Lass is a half sister to former Group star Angie Rocks.

Deja Vu Rocks ran 30.50 when coming from well back to win by a length and a half over Are Jay Lochie with a similar margin to Tornado Alley in third.

In three starts since coming from Victoria, Deja Vu Rocks has won twice and now as a city winner has fulfilled the hopes of Colin Shorter as a future broodbitch prospect.

“Col just drove into our property one afternoon recently and asked if I would train this bitch for him,” said Apap. “I hadn't seen him for years.”

Apap says the bitch's strength is her best attribute.

“Neither of her wins have been in great times, but she has overcome trouble to win and was very strong at the finish,” he said.