PARK Ridge trainer Greg Stella is letting results, not hype, define what’s shaping as one of the most exciting litters in Queensland greyhound racing.
By Aussie Infrared out of Regal Opal, Stella’s five-chaser litter is building a reputation for both speed and consistency, with multiple runners already making their mark early in their careers.
“We bred the litter of five that includes Hayden’s Gift, Regal Gypsy and Regal Saint and raced their mother Regal Opal,” Stella said.
Regal Gypsy, who is two wins from two career starts, is a promising bitch who won last week over 350m at the Q Straight, justifying her status as a dominant $1.03 favourite. Her debut performance in a commanding 19.23sec victory immediately stamped her as a serious prospect, and she has only strengthened that impression since.
Littermate Hayden’s Gift is equally imposing, saluting again last week over 352m at Q1 Lakeside as a $1.33 favourite.
The win marked three straight victories and improved his record to six wins and two placings from just nine starts, underlining the depth of talent within the Stella kennel.
The strength of the litter doesn’t stop there.
Regal Saint has put together an impressive record of seven wins and five minor placings from 14 starts, while Bella Matilda continues to be a consistent performer with four wins and multiple placings from 21 appearances.
“Happy with the way they have started their racing career and the early pace they are showing,” Stella said.
“Not sure at this stage if they will win over longer distances, but they are getting stronger with race experience and time will tell.”
Stella is no stranger to producing elite-level performers.
His former star Magistrate carved out a stellar career, with 32 wins and 21 placings from 87 starts and more than $500,000 in prize money.
The high-class chaser consistently featured at the top level, including a third placing in the 2024 Group 1 Gold Bullion Final, multiple podium finishes in the Group 3 Queensland Flame, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 Group 3 Casino Cup Final, alongside victory in the Group 3 Ipswich Auction Series Final.
“As far as a current standout dog in the kennel that looks to have a bright future is Salsa,” Stella said.
“She has only had two starts for a maiden heat and final win at Capalaba. Took a while to get her to the track as she had an injury setback.
“She is from an outstanding city class litter.”
That litter is made up of nine, consisting of the Tom Tzouvelis-trained trio Soiree, Surrealist and She’s Peakin’.
With a proven record of developing top-tier talent and a rising young litter already delivering on potential, Stella’s latest crop looks poised to make a significant impact on the Queensland racing scene in the months ahead.
