Introduction of Masters races has been arguably the most successful and popular greyhound racing innovation of modern times and Silver Heels, who won at Wentworth Park on Saturday night, could well be the "poster boy" for the concept.
Silver Heels, who became eligible for the veterans' races when he turned four in August, lost several lengths after dropping a hind leg muscle midway through his career.
But dropped back muscles, which once finished a greyhound's life on the track, can now often be repaired, albeit at some cost to a dog's speed.
"Silver Heels clocked 29.92 and 29.94 at Wenty when he was at his peak last year but since sustaining the back muscle setback those times are beyond him,'' owner-trainer Steve Fitch said.
"But he is still capable of getting down to 30.10 on a fast, dry track at Wentworth Park, and he clocked 30.22 finishing third to Good Odds Harada there before winning on Saturday in 30.37.
"He has the weirdest galloping action, a legacy of the dropped muscle, and the way he swings his leg out he reminds me of a helicopter.
"But he loves being able to go to the races and running.
"I don't trial him between races, he just does his own thing.
"He has a walk every morning and after that is largely left to his own devices, usually a bit of a gallop in a big paddock I have at home, although he tends to be pretty lazy so doesn't do that for too long.
"The most strenuous stuff he does at my place is when I throw a tennis ball into the dam on my property and Silver Heels takes off, dives into the water, and retrieves the ball.
"All of that is enough to keep him fit enough to race well and enjoy life.''
Silver Heels, who cost $6000 as a four months old puppy when purchased from breeder CHRIS O'Brien, has had 74 starts for 13 wins and 34 placings, earning over $55,000.
Ritza Coen is another greyhound who has recovered from a dropped back leg muscle and is destined for Masters contests.
Ritza Coen rattled home to finish third behind superstars Good Odds Cash and Jungle Deuce in Saturday's Wentworth Park Free-For-All, beaten just over five lengths.
That was only the dog's second race since he broke down in April, and trainer Mark Gatt is enthusiastic about Rizta Coen becoming eligible to tackle greyhound his own age.
"He turns four in December and providing he holds up Ritza Coen should be capable of winning plenty of Masters events once he reaches that birthday,'' Gatt said.
Peter Barnes raced the 2014 Lithgow Golden Muzzle winner Majestic Odessa and is sitting pretty to complete a double of the time honoured race after winning a 2021 heat last Saturday with Three Thirty One.
Three Thirty One covered the 506m in a fast 29.32 with Sid Swain winning the other heat in 29.66 with Hundred Degrees.
Three Thirty One's win took his record to 10 victories from 33 starts with the dog being a son of Barnes' well performed race bitch and outstanding producer Reservoir Time.
"All the dogs in my kennels are out of Reservoir Time but until recently I had made up my mind not to breed any more,'' Barnes said.
"But Tornado Time, who won 21 races including a Free-For-All at WP for me, has come in season and is being implanted with Wow, while Conzara Blue, who was very touchy but also very quick, is due to whelp to Flying Ricciardo.
"So I seems I am going to be in the sport for a few more years.''
