Tassie All Distance Star To Take Flight At Stud

LAUNCESTON Cup champion and track record breaker Fast Minardi is set to begin his stud career under the care of his owner, Ross Freeman.

GROUP 2 Launceston Cup champion and track record-setting performer, Fast Minardi, is set to begin his stud career locally in Tasmania, under the care of his owner, Ross Freeman.

Freeman, who is based at Legana, just 12 kilometres north of Launceston, was once a harness trainer, who never imagined such a successful return to the world of greyhound racing years later.

Freeman briefly trained greyhounds long ago before moving on to explore different interests.

Ross's brother, Michael Freeman, persuaded him to visit Paul Hili's Loira property, where Ross was introduced to a Fernando Bale – Cheeky Vixen litter, marking the beginning of a memorable ride.

“Right from the start, it was an incredible journey,” Freeman remarked on Fast Minardi's racing career.

“Fast Minardi was an exceptional chaser, displaying remarkable versatility. The greater the distance, the more he excelled, even with age.”

The light brindle chaser marked his first victory in 2022, clocking an impressive 30.49 seconds at Launceston over 515-metres at his second career start, heralding what would be a stellar career guided by trainer Paul Hili who also bred the superstar performer.

The presentation after Fast Minardi's Launceston Cup triumph

Fast Minardi achieved 38 victories and 18 minor placings in 63 starts, accumulating $302,935 in prize money.

Speed, strength, stamina, chase … he had it all.

The crowning glory of his career came in the Group 2 Launceston Cup Final earlier this year, having run a gallant second in the race to Wynburn Ruby a year prior, while on the mainland he also ran second in the Group 1 National Distance Championship and third in the Group 1 Rookie Rebel at The Meadows.

Overall, Fast Minardi appeared in five group races finals, including the 2024 Sandown Cup (Group 1), 2023 Launceston Cup (Group 2) and the 2023 Devonport Chase (Group 3).

His accomplishments locally included the Launceston Gold Collar, Illingworth Classic, Tasmanian Derby, J.G. Nelson Cup, Vet's Medley, City of Devonport Cup, Tasmanian Distance Championship and the Paul Bullock Cup.

Fast Minardi's affinity for the Launceston track was remarkable, securing 25 victories across all three distances from 500 to 700 metres and establishing track records with a time of 29.09 seconds over 515 metres and 33.90 seconds over 600 metres.

He was also a multiple winner at Sandown Park and The Meadows clocking sensational winning times.

“When Paul (Hili) educated the litter around Launceston, three showed equal potential. Fast Minardi's initial trials demonstrated a keen field sense from the start, clearly indicating he had a bright future,” Freeman recalled.

Fast Minardi (2) at Sandown Park

“The biggest challenge early in his career came when he entered the 2023 Launceston Cup after only 12 starts. To chase down seasoned dogs like Nail ‘Em Fencer and Fernando Mick to win his heat was an incredible feat for a young pup.

“Paul and Jodie Hili did an exceptional job in training the dog throughout his entire career.”

It came as no surprise that Fast Minardi was named the 2023 Tasmanian Greyhound of the Year, marking the pinnacle of an outstanding career.

Tragically, his career concluded prematurely with a severe fall in the home stretch of the Sandown Cup Final, just as he was poised to win the Group 1 staying showpiece.

The incident resulted in a broken front leg, but fortunately, with immediate veterinary care after the race, Fast Minardi has fully recovered. Now retired, he resides with Ross and is registered for stud duties.

Fast Minardi is all set to begin stud duties

Fast Minardi has now served his first bitch, Rojo Can (Fabregas x Sing The Song) which is a sister to topline performer Rojo Diamond for breeder Robin Grubb.

Fast Minardi's stud fee is yet to be confirmed.

“The stud scene is crowded with many dogs, making it a highly competitive market. We're hopeful that Fast Minardi will gain some interest and attract some quality broodbitches. Given his record, ability, and bloodline, he certainly deserves a chance,” Freeman said.

For Ross, his wife Cheryl, and their grandson Ethan, the experience with Fast Minardi was unforgettable, and they eagerly anticipate the next chapter.

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