THE Western District Derby, the year’s second biggest Ballarat greyhound event, will feature a great field of dogs in the line-up tonight.
Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club president Ken Bennett said the event was the brainchild of Sam McNeil, who died in 2011 and left in his will a legacy for this derby.
The event is now in its second year, and the winning dog will take a $20,000 prize.
The dogs run a 450 metre course and must be less than two-and-half-years old.
“We have a magnificent field of dogs,” Bennett said.
“The dog in box number eight, Crump, has huge potential. He was knocked out in the early stages last week, during the heats, and has still earned a spot in the finals.”
The day is free to the public and has a punters’ club, a first for the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club.
“There are 12 races, with the first race just before 7pm and the last race at about 10.40,” Bennett said.
“The more the merrier, we hope to have a large crowd.”
He said last year’s winner, Stagger, has had more successes and many more wins since the 2011 Western District Derby.