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Let’s meet the greyhounds and connections looking to etch their name in history as the winners of the MGRA’s most prestigious and time honoured greyhound race – The Australian Cup.

In last year’s edition of The Australian Cup, Tim Zoo helped Jason Thompson make a dream become a reality, landing the champion trainer his first victory in the race. This year, Tim Zoo returns and will look to become only the second greyhound to claim back-to-back victories in the great race following China Trip’s efforts in 1992/1993.

As the only trainer engaged in the race with an Australian Cup on his mantelpiece, Jason Thompson will take a three-pronged attack into this year’s edition with the reigning champion being joined by Group 1 winner’s Excavation & Flying Zulu.

Looking to land her second G1 win as a trainer will be Jessica Hopkins who handles the G1-winning stayer turned sprinter, Canya All Class who put together one of the more eye-catching performances from the semi-finals after spotting Excavation a big start and running him to within a length.

Nicknamed ‘The Big V’ by Racecaller James Van de Maat, Vincent Bale is putting together an enviable resume for Samantha Grenfell and after drawing Box 3, he will be making his presence felt with his blistering mid-race pace.

The Britton name is synonymous with big race success and Jeff Britton will hope he can add his name to the honour roll in the form of the only female in the race, Mepunga Tully, who is coming off the fastest heat and semi-final times across the last two weeks.

George Borg & his son Joe have been dreaming of big race success with the youngest greyhound in the field, Deadly Avenger. After finishing on the second step of the podium at his first G1 attempt in the 2024 Silver Chief, Team Borg will be hoping to go one better from Box 6.

That leaves Zipping Hopkins, a greyhound who is known for missing the kick and absolutely rattling home who would give both Brooke Ennis and the world-renowned breeding operation that is the Hallinan Family their first Australian Cup victory.

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RECENT AUSTRALIAN CUP RESULTS

2024
1st – Tim Zoo (29.71)
2nd – Schillaci
3rd – Launch Code

2023
1st – Fernando Mick (29.85)
2nd – Baby Jaycee
3rd – Victa Damian

2022 
1st – Lala Kiwi (29.634)
2nd – Paddy Wants Pats
3rd – Gypsy Bun

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Jason Adams & Corey Smith give their thoughts on the G1 Sportsbet Australian Cup

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Australian Cup – Box Statistics – 1999 onwards

Since 1999, The Australian Cup has been run at The Meadows; the Broadmeadows facility that is the home of the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association (MGRA). In that time there has been 26 runnings, with 27 victors (2003 saw the dead-heat of Blackjack Tom & Most Awesome).

Box 1 – 7 wins
Last winner: Tim Zoo (2024)

Box 2 – 3 wins
Last winner: Dyna Double One (2016)

Box 3 – 2 wins
Last winner: Blackjack Tom (dh- 2003)

Box 4 – 3 wins
Last winner: Lala Kiwi (2022)

Box 5 – 2 wins
Last winner: Velocette (2009)

Box 6 – 3 wins
Last winner: Fernando Mick (2023)

Box 7 – 3 wins
Last winner: Buckle Up Wes (2014)

Box 8 – 4 wins
Last winner: Hecton Bale (2018 – race record time, 29.53)

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