Hall Of Famer Williamson Behind ‘Inspiring' Story

AS classy sprinter Magistrate heads into the Group 2 Queensland Flame (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night and a chance at a million dollar The Phoenix pay day, thoughts of Queensland Hall of Fame member Elaine Williamson go with that bid.

Magistrate is a son of Fernando Bale and a bitch called Inspired Hope.

Inspired Hope is best known to those who adore her as "Elaine".

She was given this kennel name by her owner Donna Darcy after the passing of Donna's long-time friend Elaine Williamson.

Elaine's involvement in the greyhound industry was lengthy and successful, not only as a renowned educator, but breeder and trainer.

She and husband Bevan were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Elaine and Bevan educated greyhounds at their Greenbank property for four decades.

Donna and Elaine were the closest of friends.

Donna often helped Elaine at her Greenbank facility or on race days when she needed a hand.

But more often than not they were weekly shopping buddies.

Their weekly retail adventures were never without a lottery ticket, playing the same set of numbers in the Tuesday Oz Lotto draw with the dream of cracking a million dollars and a holiday in Hawaii.

When Elaine died in 2016 after a lengthy health battle, Donna decided to name the Zambora Brockie-Lilly Sur Seine pup that she and partner Vince had purchased "Elaine".

She later raced as Inspired Hope.

Inspired Hope was trained by fellow long time friends of Elaine, Greg and Michelle Stella.

For Inspired Hope to have produced so many top class runners that continue to be trained by the Stella kennel keeps the memories of Elaine alive and well.

The cheers in the grandstand when one of her pups makes a final is proof of that.

Whilst Elaine and Donna may not have ever hit the million dollar jackpot together, Inspired Hope's progeny have just cracked the million in prizemoney won.

Inspired Hope's maiden litter to Fernando Bale produced headliners like Magistrate, Seven Sinners, Our Opals and Journalist.

The second litter, to Aussie Infrared, is showing promise.

Her third litter to Tommy Shelby has just been broken in with some very talented runners among them, and she has just whelped her fourth and final litter, resulting in another 10 pups.

To this day Donna still plays those same set of lotto numbers as a promise to her dear friend that they might just get that big win one day.