WA Breeder with two runners in Group 1 Melbourne Cup
23 November, 2018
Greyhound
WA Breeder Michelle Romer is the envy of the Australian Greyhound Breeding scene after two of her chasers out of star producer Te Amo qualified for Friday night’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup Final at Sandown.
National Sprint Champion West On Augie and the up and coming Notorious Mac are both members of the Fernando Bale x Te Amo litter which were whelped by Romer in February 2016.
A doting lover of all of her brood bitches and pups Michelle could not contain her excitement in regards to the duo qualifying for one of Australia’s time honoured Classics.
“Both Dogs were awesome to win their heats and I am so incredibly proud of them.” Romer said.
“I was over the moon when West On Augie won the National Sprint Championship and to see him going around in another Group 1 final as a live hope is very exciting.”
“The owners (Chris Halse, Linda Britton, Gary Weston and Craig Weston) are great friends and amazing people and I am so happy for them.”
“It won’t be easy to get over from box eight but he has genuine early pace like his Mum Te Amo and hopefully he can zip across from out there.” Romer said.
Notorious Mac brought up his 12th career victory when winning his heat off box number one and Romer advised punters to include the dog in their thoughts.
“Notorious Mac is one of the outsiders in the race but he has a great burst of speed and if the breaks go his way he can figure in the finish.” Romer commented.
“He is owned by Seona Thompson’s nephew Cain Dyett and what a thrill for him as such a young man to have a runner in a Melbourne Cup final!”
Michelle Romer has always had a great passion for greyhounds and started breeding litters eight years ago.
Since then Michelle has had great success but things really started to spike with the arrival of Te Amo.
A member of the Cosmic Rumble x Osti’s Bride litter, Te Amo went on to have 51 starts for 20 wins and 17 placings with more than $155,000 in prizemoney.
Te Amo became well known for her blistering early speed and ended her racetrack career with a fine CV which included wins in the Group 3 Mandurah Cup, the Group 3 Perth Cup Consolation and runner-up finishes in the Group 3 Young Stars Classic and the Group 3 Birthday Cup.
“Shots (Te Amo’s Kennel name) was an absolute Star on the track and she has gone on to be exactly the same as a Mum.” Romer said.
“She has always been a special part of our family and she has the run of the place at my home.”
“She is a natural at everything she does and we love her dearly.” Romer concluded.
Te Amo has another litter of pups by Barcia Bale which will hit the track in the next couple of months while she has recently whelped her third litter to the almighty Brett Lee.
“All reports on her next litter is that they are showing really positive signs at break in and the Brett Lee pups are just stunning.” Romer commented.
Romer has seen her Brood Bitches produce some outstanding chasers in recent years including the likes of Desert Rampage, Rapido Kid, Magia, Who’s Got Class, Who’s Got Snoop, Who’s Got Blue and this year’s Northam Anniversary Cup winner All The Rave.
Romer’s philosophy on her success comes down to a recipe of the best food and care available and plenty of good old fashioned love.
“I love and care for my Brood Bitches and Pups like they are part of my family.” Romer said.
“I like to feed my team the best fresh food available including fresh vegetables and pureed fruit.”
“They are athletes and should be looked after accordingly – you cannot cut corners.” she added.
With the love and dedication that she puts into her operation I’m tipping this won’t be the last you hear of Michelle Romer bred greyhounds in Group 1 features.
David Shortte