THE annual Vince Curry Memorial series can boast the title of being Australia’s richest maiden race for greyhounds.
But, for those entrenched in the dog industry in the Sunshine State, they believe the popular series at Ipswich means much more than just the rich prize money on offer.
The legendary name of the late broadcaster Vince Curry will be up in lights again this Saturday night as eight young pups vie for the $75,000 first prize cheque.
Leading racing administrators use the words “prestige” and “tradition” when they refer to the series.
Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club President Rob Essex detailed just how important the series is to many within the industry in Queensland.
“Trainers can win Derby’s, Young Guns series’ or the Ipswich Cup, but it is the Vince Curry, that is a humbling experience for a trainer,” Essex said.
“There are races that are worth a million dollars these days in Australia but a series like the Vince Curry, that is about prestige and tradition.”
The glamour event for the club was first run at the Ipswich Showgrounds track in 1984 and it has only grown in prominence and significance since.
Brenton Scott – Racing Queensland’s Senior Racing Manager for Greyhounds – says it is a highlight on the calendar every year in the state.
“It is an event of great tradition that is steeped in history,” Scott said.
“The prize money now makes it the stand out young greyhound event across Australia.”
The race recognises renowned broadcaster Vince Curry who passed away in 1983, aged just 54.
While he never called a greyhound race it was his support to have the Ipswich Saturday night meetings broadcast live on the radio which was so important to Ipswich’s future.
As well as the record prize money for a maiden series, the Vince Curry Memorial has a track record of producing star greyhounds, as well as stand out stud dogs.
Ned Snow’s Shipwreck has gone on to amass almost $200,000 in stakes over the last year after claiming the Vince Curry in 2022.
Meanwhile, with the green light given to the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre last year, the Vince Curry Memorial series will become a regular fixture at the new Purga site.
Construction on the multi-million dollar GBGC will commence this year after receiving planning approval from the Palaszczuk Government.
Situated just south of Ipswich, GBGC will feature three tracks – a straight track, a much-needed one-turn track and a two-turn track – and will be beamed to more than 60 nations across the world through the Sky Australia TV network.
VINCE CURRY MAIDEN BOX DRAW
- FREE DROP
- LET’S GO DAISY
- HE’S CLASSIFIED
- DIGITAL SEA
- KING OF COOL
- BRIMSTONE
- ELISHEBA
- STONE COLD BLUE
