Sunset Ali delivered a performance of grit and determination to secure a nail-biting win in the All Torque Engineering 400m Free For All at Greyhounds WA Mandurah last Friday night.

The talented chaser, prepared by veteran trainer David Hobby, notched up his second consecutive victory, but unlike his previous outing, this triumph was anything but easy. Facing tough competition from Surf The Sun and late challenger Our Benson, Sunset Ali had to call upon every ounce of stamina and strength to clinch victory in the final strides.

From the outset, the contest promised to be a fiercely contested affair. Sunset Ali jumped sharply from box eight, but the early pace belonged to Surf The Sun, who charged to the front after accelerating smoothly from box six. With the advantage of the inside running, Surf The Sun dictated terms early on, leaving Sunset Ali to settle just off the pace.

As the runners approached the turn, Sunset Ali began to push forward, briefly edging ahead of his rival. However, Surf The Sun quickly regained momentum, reclaiming the lead with the inside running line as they swept into the corner. The two engaged in a tense back-and-forth battle that had the crowd on edge, each refusing to give an inch.

The drama intensified in the home straight. Our Benson, who had been running midfield, surged along the rail with a powerful burst that suddenly put him in the frame. For a fleeting moment, it appeared the race was opening up into a three-way tussle, but Sunset Ali’s resilience proved the defining factor. Digging deep in the dying stages, Sunset Ali surged once more, driving hard to overhaul Surf The Sun in the very last stride. The narrow win not only showcased his competitive edge but also underlined the determination that has made him one of Hobby’s most reliable performers.

This victory further cements Sunset Ali’s reputation as a chaser with both pace and endurance. Securing back-to-back wins is no easy feat in Free For All company, where fields are packed with quality greyhounds. For Hobby, a trainer renowned for producing consistent champions, Sunset Ali’s effort was another reminder of the kennel’s strength in WA racing.

Nationals Spotlight: WA Stars Set for Queensland Campaign

While Sunset Ali stole the headlines at Mandurah, attention within the greyhound community is also turning toward the upcoming Nationals in Queensland, where Western Australia will be proudly represented. Two Nambeelup-based greyhounds, Iconic Jet and Iron Works, have secured their spots on the national stage after sensational performances in their State Championship finals at Cannington last Thursday.

Iconic Jet, trained by Shayne Williams, lived up to his reputation as one of WA’s most explosive sprinters. Launching brilliantly from the traps, he seized the lead immediately and never looked back, dominating the 520m Sprint final from start to finish. Stopping the clock at an impressive 29.54 seconds, Iconic Jet showcased the kind of speed and control that makes him a serious contender when he lines up against the nation’s best.

Iron Works, prepared by leading trainer Paul Stuart, produced an equally eye-catching performance in the Distance final over 715m. Unlike Iconic Jet’s front-running display, Iron Works had to overcome adversity. After finding himself near the back of the field in the early stages, he unleashed a sustained and powerful run, gradually reeling in his rivals before storming home to claim victory in emphatic fashion. The contrasting wins of these two greyhounds demonstrated the depth of WA’s talent pool across both sprint and staying events.

Both winners will now head to the Nationals at the Q2 Parklands track in Purga, west of Brisbane, on August 30. The prestigious event will bring together the finest chasers from across the country, with the winners earning not only national glory but also the chance to represent Australia on the international stage.

For WA racing fans, the performances of Iconic Jet and Iron Works serve as a reminder of the state’s proud history in producing elite-level greyhounds. Their journeys to Queensland will be watched closely, with high hopes that they can continue their winning form against the nation’s toughest opposition.

The Significance of Sunset Ali’s Victory

Although much of the spotlight is now shifting to the Nationals, Sunset Ali’s victory at Mandurah cannot be understated. Races like the All Torque Engineering Free For All are critical in showcasing current local form, and Friday night’s contest highlighted not only his fighting qualities but also the depth of competition in WA.

Surf The Sun, despite being edged out in the shadows of the post, lost little in defeat. His strong early pace and ability to regain the lead under pressure make him a greyhound to watch in the coming weeks. Similarly, Our Benson’s late run demonstrated a turn of foot that could see him play spoiler roles in upcoming races if given the right conditions.

Greyhound racing thrives on such competitive clashes, and the thrilling finish at Mandurah will be remembered as one of the season’s standout moments. For Hobby, Sunset Ali’s handler, it also provides valuable momentum heading deeper into the year.

Looking Ahead

With Sunset Ali’s win, Surf The Sun’s bravery, and Our Benson’s late charge, Friday’s Free For All served as a reminder of why WA greyhound racing continues to capture the imagination of fans. At the same time, the success of Iconic Jet and Iron Works in securing their tickets to the Nationals adds another layer of excitement for followers across the state.

As the countdown to the Nationals begins, WA’s greyhound fraternity finds itself in a strong position, with rising stars and proven performers all contributing to the state’s racing story. For now, however, Sunset Ali deserves his moment in the spotlight, a dog who quite literally refused to be beaten when it mattered most.