13/08/2026
🌙 THURSDAY UNDER LIGHTS — STATE FINALS NIGHT 🌙
State pride goes on the line across Australia tonight, with the National Sprint and National Distance Championship State Finals taking place around the country.
Victory will secure each greyhound a place representing their state in the Group 1 National Championships at Sandown Park on Saturday, 29 August.
We caught up with the connections of five leading contenders to discuss their box draw, biggest danger and confidence heading into tonight’s State Finals.
⚡ PAW PETROV — NEIL RAWLINGS
📍 Angle Park — Race 5
🏆 SA National Sprint Championship Final
⏰ 8:34pm AEST
Happy with the box draw?
“Yes. He was desperate for an inside draw.”
Biggest danger?
“Dashing Slay. A good animal with plenty of ability.”
Confidence: 5/10
⚡ JUNGLE JOHNNY — MARK GATT
📍 Wentworth Park — Race 7
🏆 NSW National Sprint Championship Final
⏰ 8:58pm AEST
Happy with the box draw?
“Although there’s a lot of pace, I’m happy with the draw. The six and seven should give us a good run across.”
Biggest danger?
“Bandit Lynne in Box 2. I think she’ll lead.”
Confidence: 8/10
⚡ WRONGLY ACCUSED — MICHELLE & JUSTIN NOLAN
📍 Sandown Park — Race 7
🏆 Victorian National Sprint Championship Final
⏰ 9:04pm AEST
Happy with the box draw?
“It would have been nice to draw closer to the inside, but it is what it is. He just needs a clear run.”
Biggest danger?
“The other seven dogs are all more than capable. They’ve all earned their spot in the race.”
Confidence:
“We’re confident he’ll go into the race 100%. We can’t control the outcome—they’re all class animals.”
⚡ ICONIC JET — SHAYNE WILLIAMS
📍 Cannington — Race 7
🏆 WA National Sprint Championship Final
⏰ 9:31pm AEST
Happy with the box draw?
“Not really. It’s always difficult to cross from Box 8 in a big race, although he did win last year’s Sprint Final from the pink.”
Biggest danger?
“The red. It’s got a gun draw, but it’s a very even field and anything can win.”
Confidence: 6/10
“It’s going to be difficult from Box 8, but I think he’s still going as well as ever.”
⚡ MISS ENVY — STEVE SHINNERS
📍 Cannington — Race 8
🏆 WA National Distance Championship Final
⏰ 9:52pm AEST
Happy with the box draw?
“Definitely not, but at least it’s not a sprint race.”
Biggest danger?
“The greyhound in Box 2—it’s a seasoned stayer.”
Confidence: 8/10
“The box is a concern. If she doesn’t jump, it’s not a good box to have at Cannington.”
Five contenders chasing five tickets to the National Championships.
Best of luck to all five greyhounds and their connections tonight! 🏁
