School Mates Rally Behind Star Chaser
3 July, 2018
Greyhound
A group of school mates are revelling in the courage and success of their gun greyhound Vanderworp, a finalist in the Group 2 Bendigo Cup (425m) on Friday night.
What started as an investment club nearly a decade ago has led to 16 former students of Wesley College owning Vanderworp, a winner at 14 of 26 starts.
“We are all good mates and were on a trip away down in Dunsborough when we had a good collect on a bet that we had,” said Syndicate Manager, Peter Cameron.
“With our winnings we all decided to buy into a greyhound.
“About 10 of the boys are first time owners and have done well.
“I picked him out and we are all getting a kick out of him.”
Cameron and his Wesley College cohorts are out to make every post a winner with Vanderworp after the well-bred chaser missed more than six months of racing last year.
A son of Kelsos Fusileer and High Recall, Vanderworp has fought back courageously under the direction of trainer Chris Halse after a serious injury.
“He hurt his stopper bone pretty badly,” Cameron said.
“The injury didn’t come at the best time as he was racing well early.
“He has shown a lot of courage to come back and be competitive.”
Cameron says he is hoping for a big contingent of owners to rally behind Vanderworp in the $67,000 Bendigo Cup final.
“I think we can get a least six of us there,” Cameron said.
“It’s a matter of logistics with a few of the boys.
“If they can’t be there live they will be watching and cheering him on.
“A few weeks ago he stopped the show at an engagement party.
“It was a race at Cannington, but everyone stopped to watch him go around.
“He is very popular with us all.”
After an impressive heat win on Sunday as favourite, Vanderworp will jump from box two in the final.
“It’s a hot field, but he has to be considered a hope,” Cameron said.
“It won’t be easy, but if he gets room and can muster, he has a chance.”
Julio Santarelli