October'07 - Greyhounds Queensland

Shorty Girl beats her littermate TumbulgumGirl to win on debut at Albion Park.Shorty and TonyTony McCabe and ShortyGirl after their successfuldebut at Albion Park.make a dreamracing debutFIRST dog, first race, first box, firstwinner … that’s the story behind TonyMcCabe and Shorty Girl.And 33-year-old Tony could hardly wipethe smile from his face when such a dreamstart came at Albion Park.Shorty Girl (Cyrus The Virus-WyreemaWarrior) downed her littermate TumbulgumGirl by a neck to win the 395m maiden atheadquarters to make Tony’s day.McCabe is a relative newcomer togreyhound racing.He works for Nigel Rugg at hisChurchable property, helping out with themaintenance of the property, the care of theRugg team and the running of the popularpublic straight track.Tony picked up Shorty Girl when she was12 months old.“I had been working for John Rutherfordwhen he and Mariska were running a rearingWant a Good Tip?AirportCars794 Oxley Rd, CorindaContactDaryl & DeniseKavanagh0418 878880GingerBlack ShirazDark HorizonCyrus The VirusFarloe Melody*Mystery BirdDollar BirdSHORTY GIRLCredibilityJust The BestFlying AmyWyreema WarriorAcacia AblazeSmart AttitudeDerooraproperty and training business atChurchable,” said Tony.“But when John and Mariska had to leavethe property, many of the dogs on the propertywere moved.“John had some of his own dogs there aswell and couldn’t take them all. He asked meif I wanted this little black bitch.”John jumped at the chance and then spentthe next 12 months getting her to the track.“It hasn’t been easy because she’s had afew problems along the way, but with Nigel’shelp, we’ve got her to the races,” said Tony.Shorty Girl is the only dog Tony trains.“I thought she could win first-up becauseHave the Right Info for YouNew or Used CarsServicing the GreyhoundIndustry for 25 yearsSpecial of the Month2001 VX Commodore Wagon145,000kms, Log Books$9750she had been trialling well,” he said. “Anddidn’t we celebrate when she did win.“Most of Churchable knew about thewin.”Tony went out and spent his winningprizemoney on a new pair of RM Williamsboots … black so he can wear then handlingdogs on track.He has lived most of his life at Churchablebut worked some time on fishing trawlers inthe Brisbane, Logan and Albert Rivers.He grew up with Eddie and Lois Neil.Eddie took Tony onto the trawlers when hewas younger. Now Eddie trains Mafia Donfor the Ruggs.Tony just loves greyhounds andgreyhound racing.He’s already planning on getting yetanother to add to his kennel.But in the meantime, Shorty Girl is hispin-up. First-up winners, specially at AlbionPark, earn such a special place.Yesteryear's ChampsSENTINELA son of Observation, Sentinel wasa splendid dog who in 15 months fromAugust 24, 1935 had 28 starts for 21wins and five placings.He held the 440, 660 and 700 yardrecords at Maitland, the 600 yard recordat Harold Park, the 480 yard record atGriffith, the 480 yard record atNarrandera and the 570 yard record atMurwillumbah.The (October, 2007) Journal Page 6