The Weekly Chase: Jungle Johnny wins by 9.5 lengths

National Championship picture takes shape as state finals conclude

Attention this week has centred firmly on the National Championships, with all state qualifying rounds now complete and anticipation building for Sandown Park's hosting of the Group 1 National Sprint Championship (515m) and Group 1 National Distance Championship (715m) on Saturday, August 29.

At Wentworth Park, Jungle Johnny continued his sensational return to racing, delivering another commanding performance. The NSW star, who recently set a new track record, extended his winning streak to four since coming back from injury, powering away to claim the NSW Sprint Championship by 9.5 lengths in a blistering 29.10. In the Distance ranks, Boom Bam Ranger secured NSW qualification with a strong win over 720m.

Victoria's sprint hopes will rest with Storm Hustler, who caused an upset at Sandown by defeating favourite Wrongly Accused, while the Victorian Distance Championship was taken out in impressive style by Mepunga Lara, who finished strongly to claim victory.

WA's leading contender Miss Envy continues to draw attention after winning the WA Distance Championship at Cannington. Already a Group 1 National Sprint Championship winner from two years ago, she now has the chance to etch her name alongside Dashing Corsair as a dual National title winner. The WA Sprint Championship went to Iconic Guess.

In Tasmania, there was a standout performance from reserve runner If Ever, who was elevated into the field late and capitalised with a career-best 29.21 to win the Tasmanian Sprint Championship at Launceston. The Distance representative will be Don't Tell Tommy, successful in the Hobart final.

South Australia's qualifiers came through Utter Madness in the Sprint and Bandit Darryl in the Distance, while Queensland will be represented by Zipping Lee in the Sprint and promising stayer Beautiful Child in the Distance.

Further depth has been added through the wildcard selections, with Off The Chart and Winsome Jet joining the National Sprint field, and Magpie Hector alongside elite stayer Without A Trace completing the Distance lineup. The official box draws for both $100,000 Group 1 finals will be held this Friday, August 21.

Million Dollar Chase gets underway

While focus remains on the Nationals, another major NSW feature begins its journey this week.

The Million Dollar Chase series kicks off at Nowra on Wednesday, marking the first of several regional qualifying rounds across the state. The campaign will build towards its dramatic conclusion at Wentworth Park on October 16, where the Grand Final will be staged.

That night will also represent a historic moment, serving as the final city meeting at Wentworth Park. The farewell card will be anchored by the Million Dollar Chase (520m), ensuring a fitting send-off for metropolitan racing at the venue.

Without A Trace crowned Victoria's best

Triple Group 1 winner Without A Trace has been crowned the 2026 Victorian Greyhound of the Year, as well as Victorian Stayer of the Year.

The Peter Presutto-trained star established herself as the country's premier stayer late last year, winning the Group 1 Topgun Stayers, Bold Trease and Sale Cup.

Melbourne Cup hero Canya Mayhem was named Victorian Sprinter of the Year after a brilliant season highlighted by his Melbourne Cup triumph, a second in The Phoenix and further Group 1 success in Queensland.

Farewell to a freakishly fast sprinter

The career of electrifying sprinter Barefoot Zulu has come to an end after a toe injury sustained at The Meadows in June.

Trainer Jason Geall described him as the fastest greyhound he had trained despite having handled champions including My Redeemer, Up Hill Jill, Koblenz, Ferdinand Boy and Fernando Mick.

Barefoot Zulu retires with 18 wins from 47 starts, having broken multiple track records and produced some breathtaking performances throughout his career.