Thompson's Promise Shines Through In Cup

JOHN Thompson made a promise to his mum Vicky during last week that he would win the Lakeside Cup (457m) at Q1 on Saturday night with Barefoot Elsa.

It was the last thing he got to say to her.

Vicky, 80, died three days ago.

"Very emotional for us all," said Thompson.

"We've really been struggling with the dogs in the past week or two because we have been at the hospital every day for mum.

"This will be a win we will remember the most."

Barefoot Elsa (West On Augie-Blanco Caliente), the fastest heat winner, speared out from box seven and set up a winning lead scoring in 25.30 by five and a quarter lengths.

Daysea's Kurt got home well for second with Validate in third.

"Mum was in greyhound racing all her life," said Thompson, 59.

"I am a third generation greyhound trainer."

Barefoot Elsa has improved out of sight since switching to Q1 Lakeside, winning four of her seven starts on the track.

Thompson has no immediate plans for her.

"She has caught us by surprise," he said.

"I will have to sit down and work out a plan for her, but maybe a trial at Q2 is now on the cards.

"She is such a strong bitch. She has not even been trialled on Q2. The Cup win was so emotional, but also pleasing for the dog.

"It proved last week's heat win was no fluke."

Barefoot Elsa ran 25.29 to win her heat, but Saturday night's seven box draw saw punters shy away from her for the final, the bitch starting $6.

Thompson has been making headlines forever in greyhound racing.

"I was the youngest person ever to be licensed in NSW," he said.

"I was nine when I first handled a dog at Queanbeyan."

Q1 Lakeside highlighted the QGOLD finals on Saturday night.

Sunny Smiles for Jemma Daley won the Blitz (352m) in 19.57 beating Paris Will Wait and Shian Suzie.

Speedy Scrub for Travis Elson won the Bolt (390m) in 21.72 beating Sapphire King and Non Stop Tommy.

Ben McCarthy's star Satoshi ran 25.54 to win the Rookies (457m) over Jane's Jet and Dusty Jazz.

Matt Bourke's Nope Hope ran 25.87 to win the Veterans (457m) over Glen's Wish and Black Comanche.