Disco Delivers In Silver Collar Title Defence

POTENT! That's the best way to describe the emphatic win by powerhouse stayer Ring The Bell in Sunday's $88,000 Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar Final at Manukau Stadium.

It was a sustained staying performance by the Ray Adcock prepared greyhound, producing over the demanding 779m endurance test.
Ring The Bell seized the race lead with a lap of the track to run, however when racing down the back straight the second time, he handed up the lead to race favourite Dusty Gambler from the Karen Walsh kennels.
Undeterred, Ring The Bell dug in deep, really deep during the run home to ease away from Dusty Gambler becoming the first greyhound to win back-to-back Silver Collars, clocking a respectable 46.50.
Dusty Gambler was gallant in finishing second 3.25 lengths behind, holding the fast finishing Hayley Mullane-trained Cristiane Cyborg at bay by a length.
"Ring The Bell is a super greyhound who thrives on his racing. He's as strong as anything and I am so proud of what he achieved on Sunday," beamed 83 year old Adcock.
"I did have a moment of concern when Dusty Gambler got past him, although I knew he had the stamina to run strongly through the line which ultimately won the race for him.
"Disco (kennel name) is such a professional race dog who is an easy dog to handle around the kennels. Staying greyhounds are born and are not made and he had to be a true stayer to do what he did in the Silver Collar. To keep on doing what he's doing at his age (4.7 years) speaks volumes about him. This win was a team effort as I couldn't have achieved it without the help of the team at home," added Adcock.
Commentator Peter Earley called his 46th Silver Collar and he said, "That was a beauty.
"I've called many exciting, action packed Silver Collars – the way that Ring The Bell won this final was outstanding. It certainly was one of the best," stated Earley.
The Manukau Stadium is quickly becoming a favoured track for Victorian owner Glenn Pask who is a member of Disco's owning, Four Frothy's Syndicate.
He was again in attendance to witness his charge delivering in his second Collar victory.
"The race panned out really nicely for Disco.
"He's a real smart dog where he positions himself in his races – a true professional. I always though his strength would greatly help him – he's so strong.
"I guess when Dusty Gambler got a check helped us.
"I wish to thank all New Zealanders for their wonderful support for Disco. He has such a great following over here.
"Full credit has to go to Ray Adcock, plus Thayne Green along with all of their staff and especially to Mark Smith who handled Disco for all four of his Manukau wins.
"I haven't met Ray Adcock yet and I hope to make it to Christchurch so I can.
"Ray's an unbelievable guy – every time I speak to him he's been the complete professional. He always puts his greyhounds first and that's all we can ask," stated Prask about his tough greyhound who will head into the NZ Stayers Cup series as the winner of $446,545, the result of 36 wins (27 minors) from his 89 career races.
Ring The Bell will next line up in the New Zealand Stayers Cup (heats June 21) where he will also attempt to become the back-to-back winner of this 732m group 1 race.