Les Dennis endured a sleepless night thanks to Father Skeeta – but it was worth it after his greyhound’s heroics in the $10,000-to-the-winner Phil Davis Memorial (535m) at Richmond.
The son of Aston Galilee and Madam Jessie produced a superb finish to score a thrilling victory in Saturday night’s decider.
Jumping from box one as a $4.10 shot, Father Skeeta veered wide down the home straight to claim victory by a head from No Diggity.
Click here to watch a replay of the race.
Owner-trainer Dennis, who also scored a victory at Richmond with Father Skeeta’s brother Rexy Skeeta in a fifth grade over 618m, said it had been a long night afterwards.
“I didn’t sleep very well,” Dennis said with a grin. “The adrenalin was still up for a while.
“It was fantastic to get a double like that.
“I’m over the moon with how the night went. It couldn’t have gone any better.”
Father Skeeta was playing catch-up for most of the race before producing a jaw-dropping late surge to claim the title.
Blackey Streek finished third, less than two lengths back from the winner.
“I think (Father Skeeta) was just sizing up which way to go,” Dennis said. “Thankfully he took the right option.
“He is very fast (and) I knew he had a chance if he stayed with them.
“I didn’t know Phil, but his family seem fantastic people.
“It’s a privilege to win that race.”
It was “easily” the biggest victory for retired beekeeper Dennis since he returned to greyhound training about eight years ago.
The success extended Father Skeeta’s career record to 15 triumphs and 18 minor placings from 56 starts and took his prizemoney earnings over the $50,000 mark.
It was a long-awaited major win for Father Skeeta, whose record includes placings in last year’s Group 3 Canberra Cup and this year’s Ultra Sense at Wentworth Park.
Dennis said he would now likely take both Father Skeeta and Rexy Skeeta, who made it six wins and nine minor placings from 41 starts with his win, down to Victoria soon for fifth grade racing there.
Father Skeeta should also be in contention for another crack at next month’s Canberra Cup, which starts with heats on September 6.
“Father Skeeta went to Canberra without a trial there last year,” Dennis said. “It is a tight track and it was hard for him.
“You don’t get a much of a break in greyhounds but I think he’ll have a rest now.
“He’s earned it.”
