Saron's Rocky Win Sparks A Flood Of Emotions

WHEN first starter Saron shot away from littermate Raven On Koby to win a 407m maiden at Rockhampton on Wednesday night, a flood of emotion surrounded the Ken Boody kennel.

Saron is a son of former champion race dog and sire Surf Lorian, whelped in October 2020 from the Dyna Tron bitch Raven On, winner of eight races and $29,000 in stakes.

It is the last litter sired by Surf Lorian, a 2002 son of Just The Best and Barrio Fiesta.

Saron is named after Matt Saron, Ken Boody's best mate for 30 years since they were kids at school in Mackay.

But therein lies the emotion surrounding the victory.

Matt Saron's 73-year-old dad “Toddy” as he was known to all and sundry, died last Friday of cancer.

Ken had been desperate to start Saron weeks ago to give Toddy a parting gift.

“But he got kennel cough and that delayed his debut until last night,” said Ken.

Wednesday was the day Toddy Saron was cremated and it was emotional for his family and the Boodys when the dog won last night.

“I'm flying up on Friday to Mackay to help spread Toddy's ashes and celebrate his life,” said Ken.

“It's a huge family and they are wonderful people and have been part of my life for three decades.

“Unfortunately, Matt is laid low with Covid and could not get to the TAB to back Saron last night. All his brothers did though.”

Boody says the mating was done because the family had a Surf Lorian straw “just sitting there” and we decided to use it.

“She whelped nine pups, we kept four and sold five,” said Ken. “There are two starting their careers at Shepparton today.

“Saron is a pretty smart dog and the enforced spell for kennel cough has done him the world of good. His kennel name is Matt after his namesake.”

Those two Surf Lorian littermates to Saron, Pipeline Icon and Raving Icon landed a winning double for Robert and Marien Sullivan at Shepparton.