Birthday Boy Confirms His Star Status In Geelong Cup Win

Camperdown trainer Steve Elsum and Dairy Farmer Cliff Justin celebrated their biggest win in greyhound racing when Birthday Boy won the $60,000 Geelong Australia Gold Greyhound Cup night.

Likeable farmer, Justin, who is easily in his seventies, was in tears as he hugged greyhound trainer Steve Elsum after Birthday Boy ($3.70) defeated Taipan Bale ($2.20 fav) by four lengths in a fast 25.39secs for the 457m.

An emotional Justin said he'd had “about four heart attacks” after Birthday Boy crossed the line to win the $40,000 first prize.

Justin said he'd raced horses for years but had experienced “nothing like this”.

“It's my first greyhound and I've got a champion. It's out of this world, you've got no idea,” he said.

“Some time back I said to Steve, get me a greyhound. He did, and it cost $10,000.

“Then Steve told me he didn't know how to approach the dog. He'd never had a dog worth $10,000 before.”

Elsum was almost speechless after the win.

“I gave him a good chance of winning going into the race but I knew he'd have to be fairly close to Taipan Bale for him to win,” he said.

“I'm not sure how he won the race, I'm still dumbfounded.”

Elsum thanked breeder John Galea for selling him Birthday Boy.

Elsum will aim Birthday Boy for the time-honoured Thousand in the next couple of months.

Birthday Boy has had nine wins and nine seconds from 19 starts.

The race was a thrilling affair with Taipan Bale – trained by , who was aiming for his seventh win – and Pako Road singled out early in a battle for the lead.

Just as Taipan Bale was gaining the upper hand and crossing from his wide draw, Pako Road appeared to gallop on Taipan Bale's heels, causing Bate's dog to lose several lengths.

After the placed runners the field finished in the following order 4th Beti Graibel ($39.20), 5th ($32.20), 6th Pako Road ($19.30) 7th ($4.10) and Jacks On Aces ($19.00).

    Geelong Cup Full Honour Roll
  • 1962 Darkie Bobs
  • 1963 Mardec
  • 1964 Silver Cadet
  • 1965 Amasta
  • 1966 Billy Vee
  • 1967 Haydale
  • 1968 The Apprentice
  • 1969 Miram Miss
  • 1970 Phantom's Heir
  • 1971 High Volant
  • 1972 Ranee's Magic
  • 1973 The Little Gent
  • 1974 Ty Court
  • 1975 Zero Ranger
  • 1976 Tivashley
  • 1977 Smart Roman
  • 1978 No Cup Held
  • 1979 Rustic Star
  • 1980 Tempix
  • 1981 Worthy Weston
  • 1982 Satan's Shroud
  • 1983 Diamond Tempix
  • 1984 Pomona's Tigress
  • 1985 Dublin Flyer
  • 1986 Thorgil Magic
  • 1987 Modern Gossip
  • 1988 Benito's Boy
  • 1989 Fair Sentence
  • 1990 Ravello
  • 1991 Honourly
  • 1992 Golden Ridge
  • 1993
  • 1994 Tantallon
  • 1995 Painted Wish
  • 1996 Sobbing Sal
  • 1997 Power Zone
  • 1998
  • 1999 Pete's Boss
  • 2000 Suellen Bale
  • 2001 Modern Assassin
  • 2002 Bear Creek
  • 2003 Puzzle Prize
  • 2004
  • 2005 Brilliant Lee
  • 2006 Dyna Checa
  • 2007
  • 2008 Birthday Boy
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