Heartwarming Story To Pat's National Sprint Bid

IF Postman Pat does as most expect and wins Saturday night's Group 1 National Sprint Championship, owner Donald Arthur's first thoughts will turn to the late Ray Adcock.

Adcock, the inaugural inductee into the GRNZ Hall of Fame in 2010, died aged 87 in September of 2021, but not before playing a huge role in ensuring the phenom that is Postman Pat was brought to life.

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS SATURDAY NIGHT

"Ray was adamant that we used Hooked On Scotch with Birdie Tee and Rosa Tee and that was well before the dog was a proven sire," Arthur said.

"Even before Hooked On Scotch retired Ray would tell (wife) Jose and I that we had to use him when he went to stud so his role in getting us to this point has been huge.

"Ray actually secured granddam Mini's Fantasy for us from Australia which was our start in greyhound racing 10-12 years ago. His help and guidance along the way was invaluable.

"When these pups were around six months of age at (NZ trainer) Anthony Hart's, Ray would tell us what fantastic types they were. We owe him a real debt of gratitude. Anthony too." 

Winner at 20 of his 26 starts with a further five placings, Postman Pat has been installed a near unbackable $1.40 favourite to take out Saturday night's group 1 decider at The Meadows.

And while the Jason Thompson-trained superstar will officially step out representing Victoria, Arthur said his pride and joy will be equally flying the flag for New Zealand.

"He's got a really big following here at home as well so hopefully he can do New Zealand and Victoria proud," Arthur added.

"When we decided to send Postman Pat and Big Daddy over to Australia, never in our wildest dreams did we think they'd get to the level they have and so quickly.

"And we have Darren Puleio to thank greatly for that. Through his connections we've sent the dogs to two great trainers in Jason Thompson and Anthony Azzopardi which has allowed us to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

"We are really looking forward to getting over to Australia on Friday and being at The Meadows on Saturday night."

Kiwi express

POSTMAN PAT delivered a stirring performance in the Victorian Sprint Championship at @MelbourneGreys.

The former New Zealander outlasted a determined TINKER NORM to earn himself a Big V guernsey on August 26.#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/cpamItxuNF

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) August 10, 2023

Since arriving on Australian shores earlier in the year, Postman Pat has faced the starter on 12 occasions for 10 dazzling wins and two placings.

Included in those placings was a courageous second to Elite Machine in the Group 1 Brisbane Cup.

"We were in Brisbane that night and so proud of his effort he gave his all the whole way," Arthur said.

"Talking to Jason yesterday he said that's what he admires most about the dog. When he needs to find another gear he does, he just loves the competition, thrives on it."

While Postman Pat's Australian upstart has captured the imagination of the racing public, it promises to only intensify in the coming months with races like the Million Dollar Chase, Melbourne Cup, Topgun and The Phoenix all firmly on the agenda.

"We are just glad we took the leap and sent them over," Arthur, a respected veterinarian, said.

"Our hopes have already been exceeded and it's been a wonderful ride so far.

“You dream of getting a dog like Postman Pat or Big Daddy. They're once in a lifetime."