3 minute read
For Paula Gray it’s been 30 years between Ballarat Cup finalists and she couldn’t be more excited and proud of her girl Pat Ability ahead of tonight’s decider.
Gray owned Joe Cain, who ran 3rd in the 1994 Cup trained by her father Laurence. In 2024, she enters a race as one of the outsiders but that has no impact on her family's enthusiasm ahead of the final.
"It's obviously a tough field and there's a lot of pace towards the inside. We're so proud of her to have made the final, we're enjoying the moment," said Gray.
Pat Ability won the Lil Dickie Oaks at the track earlier this month which gave the family confidence to pursue the Cup series.
She was bred by Don Jarvis who has played a big role in the family's involvement in the sport.
"Don has been wonderful for us. We've been lucky to buy pups from him in the past. Shane and his family have known Don for a long time."
Pat Ability is trained by Gray's partner Shane Millson, but like any greyhound family, it's a team effort that makes it possible.
"We only have four dogs racing and we own them. Shane's parents have an interest in one of them, which is great as they help us out a lot. Our kids Kasey and Jimmy have both come through the ranks as catchers. Kasey catches at The Meadows every Saturday night and also works at Angela Langton's in the morning."
Having greyhounds is an invaluable hobby for the family, away from racing they live a typical day-to-day work life.
"I'm a part-time phlebotomist and Shane works as a sprinkler fitter. The dogs are our hobby and we've both been involved for a long time."
"We do it for fun as a family. It's in our blood. My pop had them, my dad, same on Shane's side. I've worked in the sport since I left school. We just love it."
The whole crew will be there trackside tonight to soak up the excitement.
"My mum lives in Ballarat so she'll be there and so will dad in spirit."
Past country cup winners Explicit and Matt Loch are considered the clear ones to beat in the $83,000 final. The Sportsbet Ballarat Cup is Race 8 on the card and will jump at 9.30pm. Click herefor a wrap of the heats.
Make sure you get along for an action-packed night of racing and entertainment. Free entry and your chance to win up to $1000 cash with the Lift the Lids promotion, 'Fun Money' casino tables, Collingwood vs Western Bulldogs live on the big screen and kick on after the last with our live DJ.
