Whan a girl isn’t too committed to her work, she had better rely on her looks.
Back in April 2018 the optimistically named Awesome Thing was retired to Elise Stoner’s sofa. There was little fanfare for the retirement of the Spencer Mavrias trained Central Park grader who ‘boasted’ a race record of four wins in 52 races.
Elise had been working for Spencer and took home ‘Peggy’ and kennelmate ‘Waffle’. Both seemed to embrace life as couch potatoes, but then. . .
Elise said: “Back in 2018, I decided to enter both of them in local fun dog shows. They showed potential so I decided to get into contact with the Kennel Club and register them . Once I received both Peggy and Waffle’s papers, I started to enter both into open shows, while still competing in local fun shows.
“I decided to try a Championship Show at Boston in January just to see how Peggy would compete. She won the Special Racing and Coursing Class, which also qualified her for Crufts. Of course, once she had qualified, I just had to take her! I have always dreamed of taking a dog to Crufts as it’s the biggest dog show in the world.
“At this point just qualifying was more than enough I was so proud of Peggy for just competing at that level. Then the dream came true, she won her class, Special Racing and Coursing. Not only placing first but shes now qualified for Crufts 2024.”
One of the last offspring by Australian import Daves Mentor, Awesome Thing “wasn’t too bothered about winning on the track, she just followed them around” chuckles Elise (She finished second 17 times, seven of which were in photo finishes!)
Elise no longer works in the greyhound industry but still retains an interest with an occasional visit to Spencer’s new kennel; where her mum Vicky still works.
As for Peggy, although qualified, she may not defend her Crufts crown.
Elise said: “She was nine in December and it might be a bit too much for her. But I will continue to take her to local shows. It is great for socialising them with other breeders and a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend it to others with ex-racers”
