Short Stop To Make Racing Debut At Five

HIS name is Short Stop and on Thursday afternoon the son of Banio Boy and Succatash makes his racing debut in a 288m Maiden at Ipswich … just a few weeks short of his fifth birthday.

And, Short Stop's trainer, Penny Rigg says "I wouldn't be backing him with stolen money".

That's because Short Stop will have just Thursday's race and then likely be sent to the adoption program.

"We bred him years ago and along came a few other dogs, we got busy, and he and his litter got forgotten about," said Penny.

FIELDS AND FORM IPSWICH THURSDAY

Short Stop's kennel name is George and Penny says he's "a problem dog".

"He's noisy, rips up his bed and his known to make a mess as well," she said.

Penny's partner, Mal Cuneo said there was no way he was taking him to the track.

"That's why he is in my name," said Penny.

"It was a clash of personalities between Mal and George. Mal wants clean and orderly, George is the complete opposite.

"And, he's cow hocked.

"George's litter brother, Cheeky Grin, won his first two race starts when he was four.

"Maybe they might be late bloomers."

Even though Penny and Mal don't hold out much hope for George' race career, they have no doubt he will find an immediate home.

"He is blue and white and a gorgeous colour," said Penny.

"I'm sure someone will love him when they get him."

Short Stop comes out of box seven in the Maiden heat on Thursday.