The roar of the crowd, the thud of paws on the track, and the electric atmosphere of Wentworth Park reached a crescendo on Saturday night, October 18, as Mepunga Smokey, under the astute guidance of trainer Jeffrey Britton, etched his name into greyhound racing history, claiming the coveted $50,000 Masters Meteor Final. While Mepunga Smokey’s dominant performance at 29.66 seconds was the headline act, finishing a clear 3.75 lengths ahead of Calypso Rogue, the night also belonged, in part, to the spirited run of Zadie Bale, steered to a remarkable third place by Young’s local trainer Ike McCorkindale.
The highly anticipated Race 5, a 520m dash, saw a stellar field of greyhounds vying for glory. From the moment the boxes crashed open, the pace was relentless. Mepunga Smokey (Box 3), a pre-race favourite at $2.25, lived up to every expectation, showing exceptional early speed and maintaining a powerful drive to the finish line. The victory was a testament to Britton’s training prowess and Mepunga Smokey’s undeniable talent, with the dog showcasing a blistering final run that left rivals in his wake.
However, the narrative of this thrilling final would be incomplete without a spotlight on the incredible effort from Zadie Bale (Box 4). A more generous offering in the betting markets at $9.50, delivered a performance that defied her odds and ignited the hopes of her connections and supporters from Young.
Despite the fierce competition, Zadie Bale demonstrated an admirable blend of grit and speed, battling fiercely throughout the 520-metre journey. McCorkindale, a respected figure in the greyhound racing community, clearly had Zadie Bale in prime condition for this high-stakes event. Her split time of 5.59 seconds, while a fraction behind the leaders, set her up perfectly to launch her challenge in the latter stages of the race. The commentary, even as Mepunga Smokey pulled away, acknowledged the strong efforts of those behind, and Zadie Bale’s presence in that leading pack was undeniable. Her ability to maintain her composure and accelerate through the final bend was a masterclass in racecraft, ensuring she secured a coveted spot on the podium.
For Zadie Bale to finish third in such a quality field, just 4.25 lengths behind the winner and a mere half-length behind the runner-up Calypso Rogue (trained by Henry Norman), speaks volumes about her talent and McCorkindale’s strategic preparation. This wasn’t just a place; it was a statement. At nice place odds, Zadie Bale’s performance would have been a delightful return for punters who backed her conviction and McCorkindale’s ability to extract the best from his charges.
Her 29.97-second effort underscored a consistent and determined run, showcasing the heart of a true competitor.
While Father Rick (Raymond Webster) and Aston Luciano (Michelle Sultana) also put in commendable efforts to round out the top five, it was the battle for the minor placings that truly captivated many. Zadie Bale’s strong finish, holding off the challenges from the experienced field, cemented her as one of the standout performers of the evening.
This result is a significant feather in the cap for Ike McCorkindale and his team in Young. It validates the dedication, early mornings, and tireless work that go into preparing a greyhound for elite-level competition. To bring a greyhound to Wentworth Park and see her compete so valiantly against some of the best in the country is a source of immense pride and a testament to the quality of training provided by McCorkindale.
The Masters Meteor Final lived up to its billing as a showcase of speed and endurance. Mepunga Smokey’s victory was emphatic, confirming his status as a formidable force in greyhound racing. However, the lasting impression for many, especially those following the regional stables, will be the courageous and thoroughly impressive third-place finish of Zadie Bale, brilliantly trained by Young’s own Ike McCorkindale. It was a night of champions, and McCorkindale’s Zadie Bale certainly earned her place among them.
– Tully Potts
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