CHAMPION Tasmanian greyhound Buckle Up Wes has run his last race after suffering a dropped back muscle during a heat of the Group 1 Paws of Thunder at Wentworth Park in Sydney on Saturday night.
Buckle Up Wes was one of the favourites but his trainer Ted Medhurst knew he was in trouble soon after the start.
“I watched him falter as he was going into the first bend and then he dropped the back muscle when he was trying to extend later in the race,” Medhurst said.
“The dog is in god health and he’s jumping around the lace today just like he was when he was racing at his best but the injury will definitely prevent him from racing again,” he said.
However Buckle Up Wes will not be lost from the industry as he is likely to continue on at stud.
“There were lot of inquiries from owners here (Tasmania) and interstate about him going to stud so he owners will head that way but where he will stand at stud will be determined by his owners.”
“He is by Collision from Everlong Bale that is by Primo Uno so his breeding should ensure he is popular at stud plus his own record on the track,” Medhurst said.
Buckle Up Wes heads to retirement with a brilliant record of 53 starts for 30 wins and 13 minor placings for $551,965 in stakes.
His biggest wins came last year when he ventured to he Meadows in March to win the Australian Cup and at his next stat a The Meadows seven months later he was invited to tackle the invitation only Group 1 Topgun which comprised the best sprinters in Australia and he again emerged triumphant.
“The dog retires with a great record and he will be missed around the kennels but I’ve been in this game long enough to know that you must be prepared to lose these special dogs because they try so hard when they race and that’s what sets them apart from the rest,” Medhurst said.
Buckle Up Wes is sure to be named Tasmanian greyhound of the year for 2014 and he also is a prime candidate for the national title.