Pepe Morada, a greyhound who overcame a fractured hock and a season delay, is set to compete in the $250,000 Ladbrokes 715 final at The Gardens in Newcastle tonight. The 15-year-old Brooke Dawson will box the dog, continuing a family tradition that began with a love for harness racing.
The injury occurred at Wentworth Park in December 2024, requiring surgery and a plate insertion. When the screws came loose, a second operation was needed. Despite the setback, Pepe Morada returned after 10 months and recorded a fast 29.3 seconds at Richmond, surprising her trainer Anthony Dawson.
After three wins and two placings in five starts, Pepe Morada was set for the Summer 700 at Gosford in early January, but she came on season three days before the race and was scratched. It took longer than expected to return, and two weeks before the 715 heats, her participation was uncertain.
Anthony Dawson trialled Pepe Morada at The Gardens over 515 metres, 603 metres, and a 650-metre slip. Her performances were strong enough to nominate, and she won her heat. Dawson, who works full-time and treats greyhounds as a hobby, said he was shocked by her success.
The Dawson family has a background in harness racing, with Anthony's uncle Bill training star pacer Special Albert. Anthony's brother Matthew introduced him to greyhounds. Pepe Morada's brother Right Said Ed reached the Maitland Future Stars final in 2024, and their mother Kylie Keeping made the Sydney Cup final.
Brooke Dawson, who has been involved since age nine or ten, holds an attendant's licence. Anthony believes the experience teaches responsibility and social skills. He said, 'It's good to give the young ones the opportunity; it teaches them a bit of responsibility.'
