While Jock Colley is synonymous with rugby league, the famous name will also have a start on Monday afternoon’s Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle final at Kennerson Park.
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The two-year-old red fawn dog was named in honour of the rugby league icon and is trained by Bathurst local John Jones.
The original Jock – Wayne “Jock” Colley – was the best man at Jones’ wedding.
“We were very good mates,” Jones said.
“I admired his strength in helping rugby league further in the country.
“He was a real Australian bloke, who enjoyed life and was well respected.
“Jock was so full on and he loved his dog racing.
“His wife was happy and emotional with the name [of the greyhound].”
Jones came to know Colley after he left the army in the early 1970s and Jones said he has put a lot of effort into Jock Colley, because of his name.
Colley suddenly passed away in February 2014, with over 1500 people attending his funeral in Parkes.
No doubt, the Parkes community will tune in and watch the Soldiers Saddle final next Monday, to see if Jock Colley can get the win from box six.
Jones is hopeful of a good result in the final.
“He’s a nice up and coming dog,” he said.
“He’s got a lot attitude, but he gives everything when he races.”
Jock Colley has managed four wins and has been described as “prolific for getting places”.
From 14 starts, the Jones-trained dog has managed 11 places.
The fawn dog’s dame was Lady Arko, who was in fact owned by Colley.
The two-year-old dog qualified for the final, after managing an outside win in Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle Semi (520 metres) on November 28.
Jock Colley ($14.50) managed a win by four margins over Midnight Treat ($52.20) and Spring Scorpion ($36.80).
A mix up in the first turn, meant favourite Falcon’s Fury ($1.60) lost his way and finished fifth.
Second-favourite Nangar Rock ($4.30) was more disappointing then the favourite, running seventh.
Now qualified for the final, Jock Colley will be representing both Bathurst and Parkes in the final.
Jock Colley and Stunning Lola will be the two local hopefuls in the $10,000 final, with the latter trained by Ashley Lamb.
The final has attracted dogs from all over New South Wales, with trainers specifically targeting this race.
Bathurst Greyhound Racing Club’s racing manager Jason Lyne said the final should be interesting.
“We’re pretty excited and with a bit of luck, both local dogs will go well,” he said.
The Bathurst RSL has supported the event for the past 20 years.