Tiger Chasing Origin Berth

WITH rugby league's State of Origin series getting underway, Queensland greyhound trainer Brett Hazelgrove is hoping for his own Maroon jersey.

Brett wants his classy sprinter All About Tiger to win a place in the upcoming State of Origin greyhound series between Albion Park and Wentworth Park stars.
The son of Milldean Panther-Whirly Storm put his name up to the selection panel when leading throughout to win the Mick Byrne Memorial (520m) final at Albion Park last Thursday night.
He scored by a length and a half over Velocity Charm with a neck to favourite Maurice Minor in third. It was his 17th victory in 33 starts and brought his stakes earnings to $45,000.
Brett trains the dog for his mum Noela.
“I'm think of employing a racing manager whose only job is to deal with Noela,” joked Brett after the dog's victory.
The Hazelgroves had just about given the race to the favourite, Tom Tzouvelis-trained Maurice Minor, when the late scratching of Fire To Rain gave him a vacant box inside him at the start.
“And Maurice Minor was probably unlucky to lose after copping a check in running,” said Brett.
“But when it comes time to pay the winning prizemoney, it will come to us. That's racing.”
While the rugby league loving Brett would like to see All About Tiger gain a start in the State Of Origin series, he is first committed to the Flying Amy Classic (520m) series which starts at Albion Park this week.
“And I will probably press on to the Group 1 Winter Cup during the carnival,” said Brett.
“Group 1s are a different ball game, and I'd like to see him finishing stronger than he is at the moment to take on those dogs.
“But he has got to go in the series. His first two sections are fabulous and that puts him into any race.”
The Hazelgroves are committed to their long-time involvement in greyhound racing and are planning on a number of broodbitch matings in the coming months.