By Brennan Ryan
By Brennan Ryan
Hobart Thousand champion Slick Badger delivered a stunning run on Thursday night to take out the Group 3 Devonport Chase Final (461m) in Hobart, giving Victorian trainer David Geall a rare Tassie group race double.
Slick Badger has become only the fourth greyhound in history to achieve the Hobart Thousand–Devonport Chase double, joining legendary Tassie names like Shantung Tiger, Top Shiraz, and Black Caleb, making it a truly rare feat.
In a thrilling contest on Australia’s toughest U-turn circuit, the son of Aston Rupee and Dancin’ Ethics surprised punters by taking out the $30,000 winner’s prize at odds of $9.50, charging from box 4 to win by a head in a nail-biting finish.
He surged from the back half of the field to chase down the Mick Stringer-trained pair, Appenzell and Young Star, finishing in 25.81s.
For David Geall, it was a moment that left him genuinely surprised by the star chaser’s performance.
“I respected the quality of the field; I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” he said after the win.
“Slick Badger is a great dog, a very-fast chaser, and I couldn’t believe how far he drifted in the betting. Those odds were insane.
“He proved just how sharp his chasing skills are, with an instinct for finding the finish line. Much like in the Hobart Thousand, when the pack bunched up, it was tough to see who was in front, making it even more thrilling to watch.”
Slick Badger has racked up 16 wins from 34 starts, earning $156,530 in prize money for Geall and Wagga-based owner Steven Kemp.
With an impressive track record in some of Australia’s top group race events, Victorian-based David Geall has achieved a rare feat by winning all three group races held in Tasmania, joining a select few trainers to accomplish such a milestone.
David had competed in earlier Devonport Chase finals, with Ferdinand Boy taking second place in 2021.
He credits the entire team behind the Lara-based operation for the ongoing success.
“I can’t thank Nathan Gittus enough for the support they’ve given Rose and myself every time we’ve come over,” David said.
“It’s been a winning combination over the years, and having a solid system is crucial, especially when traveling interstate. I can only imagine Steve Kemp watching from Wagga, absolutely over the moon, hopefully shouting the bar!”
David is uncertain whether Slick Badger will return for the Launceston Cup or head to the Australian Cup or Bulli Cup.
Slick Badger (4) lands the prize in a thriller