Miata prepares to be mother again
Former champion greyhound Miata is due to whelp her second litter on Sunday week and trainer Paul Stuart believes the pups will inherit their mother's star qualities.
The five-year-old's first seven pups, born last Melbourne Cup day, look impressive as they begin grooming for education with Stuart and other trainers.
Miata is among 30 nominees for induction to _The West Australian _Racing Industry Hall of Fame on November 15.
Panels appointed by Racing and Wagering WA selected candidates from across thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhound codes. Judges will choose 15 finalists for induction in a ceremony at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Miata won two Australian Greyhound of the Year titles. The $715,000 stake earner won at 42 of 51 starts.
She set nine track records at six courses in four States and gave greyhound racing a big boost.
"Miata took everything in her stride during her racing career," Stuart said. "But she was clearly overwhelmed in the hours after the arrival of her first litter.
"It seemed she thought it would be a daunting task to rear seven youngsters. But all turned out well and her first litter look good. I kept two and we sold five."
Bright Idea, who in 1975 was WA's first Greyhound of the Year, is also in line for hall of fame induction. He won 30 races.
The 1977 Fremantle Cup and Miracle Mile winner Royal Force is a leading harness racing contender for hall of fame honours.
Kola Girl, who won the 1918 WA Pacing Cup and foaled 1937 cup winner Kolect, is also an induction prospect.
Max Johnson was selected as a nominee on the strength of four reinsmen's premierships in the 1950s.
