News
11 February, 2025
Deadly Avenger, Oppenhuis’ superhero
After over a decade in the sport, hobby owner and breeder Rod Oppenhuis’ ride with Deadly Avenger has been his best experience yet.
Deadly Avenger, or ‘Jake’ as he’s known at home, has come of age in recent months and has his sights firmly set on Australian Cup success after a dominant performance in his heat last Saturday at The Meadows.
“We were a bit concerned that he might be a bit flat after the flight from Brisbane. He didn’t do anything during the week. We know he’s going to improve significantly after that run which is a pleasing aspect,” said Oppenhuis on Sky Racing’s The Morning Line.
The most satisfying part of Deadly Avenger’s career has been his conversion of ability and promise to successful race track performances, which so far has been led by a runner-up effort to Epitomize in the G1 Silver Chief in December.
“We’ve had dogs as fast as him that have been quirky or haven’t gone on with it. After investing a fair bit into the game it’s pleasing to get some results.”
Oppenhuis’ journey started with his first greyhound, Lady Avenger, who has been the matriarch of the bloodline, however that wasn’t exactly the plan he had for her.
“I bought one that was going to be the start of my breeding career, or so I thought. She was a bit of a barker, so I rang Joe (Borg) and he suggested I buy another pup to keep her company.
“I ended up buying one cheaply. I was doing pre-training and in the first week, the one that I bought cheaply to keep the expensive one company, was lapping the other dog. And the expensive one never made the track.
“That was Lady Avenger and she’s become the matriarch of my whole line.”
Lady Avenger went on to produce Avenger Lass, who is the mum of Deadly Avenger.
Oppenhuis gave big credit to the role Joe Borg has played in his greyhound venture.
“I owe everything to him. He whelps my litters and he rears them. We’re great friends, we talk two or three times a week and it might not be about greyhounds, just life in general.
“Without him I’d probably be out of the game. I’d have my three or four horses I’ve got interests in which is what started me in racing.
He also highlighted Borg’s dedication to his greyhounds and the desire to always put them first.
With the Avenger suffix consistent in the naming in all of Oppenhuis’ greyhounds, they’re pretty hard to miss.
“All of my kids love the Avengers Marvel characters. For some reason I decided to name one Lady Avenger and a month or two later I decided to buy the Avenger name. Even their kennel names are Thor, Odin – named after all of the characters.”
Deadly Avenger will step out in an Australian Cup semi-final this Saturday at The Meadows. Fields will be published late Wednesday afternoon. The night will also feature heats of the Fanta Bale Stayers. Catch in-depth race night coverage from 6.30pm on Sky Racing Active and the Watchdog App with Nathan Rooney, Corey Smith and myself.
Able to get to the track? There will be free family entertainment! Jumping castles and games, free face painting, magician show, free snack food and much more. Or book in the City View Bistro – children’s meals are only $12 each and there’s a wonderful selection to choose from.
Deadly Avenger (6) dominant in his Australian Cup Heat