News
5 November, 2025
Barefoot Zulu steps into The Phoenix mix
Sprint sensation Barefoot Zulu, a last start 28.94 Sandown Park winner, has been snapped up by Sportsbet for the $1.65m The Phoenix (525m) at The Meadows next month.
The son of Sennachie has been in devastating form since joining the David Geall kennel in Victoria during August, going on a four race winning spree. The Ipswich 520 metre track record holder has run near records at Angle Park (29.91) and The Meadows (29.40) and on October 30 ran 28.94 to join illustrious company in breaking the magical 29 second barrier at Sandown Park. The performances quickly saw wagering giant Sportsbet – winner of the first two editions of The Phoenix with Wow She’s Fast in 2021 and 2022 – move to to secure the powerhouse chaser.
“We’re thrilled to have Barefoot Zulu locked in for the latest edition of The Phoenix,” Sportsbet Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Arundell said.
“It’s a race close to our heart given the success we had with Wow She’s Fast and we think Barefoot Zulu is ready to follow in her footsteps.”
“We’d also like to thank David Geall and the ownership for selecting Sportsbet to take Barefoot Zulu to The Phoenix. Bring it on.”
Trainer David Geall said “he was delighted” to return to The Phoenix fold having finished third in 2021 with his Melbourne Cup champion Koblenz.
“It is an amazing race, lots of fun, very exciting and just to be a part of it is something,” he said.
Geall trains the dog for Simone Kellermeyer and her partner John Thompson.
“He’s the fastest dog we have ever had,”
said Geall of Barefoot Zulu, enormous praise considering his previous superstars include Up Hill Jill, My Redeemer and Koblenz.
“He ran home in 10.31 at Sandown at his latest run and that is a length quicker than My Redeemer ever ran there.”
Geall, Kellermeyer and Thompson have an 18-year connection. He trained Group 3 SA Oaks runner-up Skrat for them. Thompson and Kellermeyer have already had DNA done on Barefoot Zulu for a future stud career.
Barefoot Zulu is the second greyhound to be locked in for The Phoenix after Metro Jetting secured NSW star Cumbria Jack recently.
Article Written by Adam Dobbin, Greyhound Recorder.
