Peter's Bright Night Out

Written By David Brasch

TWENTY six-year-old Peter Cauchi had a life changing night at Albion Park last Thursday night when his bitch Bright Satellite led throughout to win a 520m Masters event.

Peter, son of Australian greyhound racing Hall of Famer Paul Cauchi, owns and trains Bright Satellite (Fear Zafonic-Blonde State).

But last Thursday night was the first time he has ever handled the bitch on a race night … and she won by three lengths as the $2.50 favourite beating Frosty Ajay and Reptar.

And no one was prouder than Peter's parents Paul and Jeanette Cauchi.

“Peter loves the dogs,” said Paul. “But until last Thursday night, he has always let his mother Jeanette handle his dog. He has no worries about trialling the dogs with us.”

Bright Satellite is a unique greyhound.

The Cauchis bought her as a pup in a six-pup package deal from breeder Peter May when he gave racing away a couple of years ago.

“She's been a very unusual greyhound,” said Paul.

“It took her a long time to switch on to racing but we kept going with her for a while and eventually she won a race.

“But we decided to give up on her because she was not getting any better and we gave her away to another trainer.”

After a short time, that trainer brought her back.

Peter Cauchi put her back into training and she tore a hip support, then tore a gut muscle.

“We tossed her into a paddock for a couple of months to let her get over the injuries,” said Paul. “And when she came back to racing we could not believe the improvement. She was a different dog.”

That resurgence in form continued until some months ago when a form slump prompted the Cauchis to consider sending the bitch to adoption.

“She must have known,” said Paul. “Her form picked up straight away. She went well in a Capalaba trial, then won in fast time at Albion Park over the short, and now she has won on a Thursday night.

“She has found a leg … again.”

The fairytale story continues.

“Now Peter is considering breeding out of her,” said Paul.

While Bright Satellite is a marvel for the family, so is Paul Cauchi. He is 82 and still enjoying his life in greyhound racing.

“I still feel good, keep myself busy all the time and have no sickness issues,” he said. “A life in greyhound racing is pretty good.”