South Australian sprinting sensation Cash On Delivery overcame a difficult start from box 3 to record a sensational win in the $75000 Thunderbolt, the richest race in the world over 350m, hosted by the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club on June 22.

After qualifying for the feature event following an impressive win and placing in the Thunderbolt heats and semi-finals run on the track on June 9 and 16 respectively, Cash On Delivery was well supported by punters as the eight finalists headed onto the track.

Shuffled towards the rear of the field during the early stages, Cash On Delivery took advantage of an opening along the inside when early leader and race favourite Brute Banner, who began from box 1, left the rails and caused interference to Dominic’s Girl, Dino Way, and Running Reds.

Unleashing his trademark acceleration as the finalists entered the home straight, Cash On Delivery charged ahead, winning by more than two margins from his littermate Hit The Switch, and stopping the clock at 20.09 seconds.

Short And Stumpy finished third, a further four lengths behind.

Trained in partnership by Cameron Forshaw and Ashlee Griffiths, who made the journey from Adelaide to be trackside for the feature event on the weekend, Cash On Delivery has raced 54 times for 35 wins and 14 minor placings.

His victory in the Thunderbolt for 2024 catapulted his career earnings past $130000.

“He definitely had a lot of luck go his way tonight,” said Ms Griffiths.

“We’re so proud of him.”

“He really is a superstar,” Mr Forshaw said.

“He was very unlucky not to win the semi-final a week earlier, but this more than makes up for it.”

Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Rob Macaulay was trackside for the running of the 2024 Thunderbolt on the weekend and complimented the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club including President John Corrigan and CEO Brennan Naidoo for doing another brilliant job in hosting the event.  

This article appeared in the  Clarence Valley Independent, 26 June 2024.