Fernando Mick Locked In For Sandgroper

AUSTRALIAN Cup winner Fernando Mick will represent Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) and SENTrack 657am Perth in the inaugural running of The Sandgroper. 

The $500,000 slot race, the largest prize purse in West Australian greyhound racing history, will be run at Cannington on Friday, April 14.

It will be the climax of an intensive racing campaign for Fernando Mick (Fernando Bale-Noaki Moth).

He will run in the heats of the Group 1 Perth Cup (530m) at Cannington on Saturday night.

“It is a real honour for his owner Paul Connell and I to have him chosen to represent SEN,” said the dog's trainer David Geall.

"It is great to partner with the SEN team again after finishing third in the inaugural running of The Phoenix with Koblenz two years ago.

“Hopefully Fernando Mick can get the win this time.”

Fernando Mick was absolutely fantastic in Australian Cup Final for David Geall! pic.twitter.com/e3GL8evuYL

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 26, 2023

SENTrack 657am Perth presenter, Tim Gossage, said: "As a parochial West Aussie I don't normally like seeing interstaters invade our battle lines but if it means SENTrack 657am Perth own the winner then I'm prepared to change teams for one night. Let's stick it up ‘em".

SENTrack 657am Perth listeners will have a chance to share the excitement leading up to the race.

Each morning to Friday, microshares in SEN's slot will be given away, with listeners having their chance to win should Fernando Mick win the race.

Each winner will also receive a double pass hospitality package to join SEN at the running of The Sandgroper.

Geall has set Fernando Mick initially for the Perth Cup series.

“We will fly over on Friday and stay with Linda Britton,” said David. “But, we will come home after the heats.

“The Golden Easter Egg is also his target at Wentworth Park.

“It is a three-race series but that is never a worry for a dog like Fernando Mick who thrives on racing.

“Then we will head back to Cannington for The Sandgroper.

“It is very exciting to be chosen. They are all pumped up over The Sandgroper in WA.

“Fernando Mick is a dog who travels well. He travels a lot better than me.”