Nambeelup trainer Shayne Williams is on a mission for redemption this Friday, pinning his hopes on kennel star Iconic Jet in the lucrative $91,605 Birthday Cup (400m) at Mandurah Greyhound Track.
A Painful Memory Fuels the Campaign
The sting of last year's near-miss is a powerful motivator for Williams. In the 2025 edition of the feature race, his charge Curious Georgia led for an agonising 399 metres, only to be caught right on the line by Barbeque Man, trained by his good friend Paul Stuart. That heartbreaking defeat by the narrowest of margins has set the stage for this year's determined assault.
This time, Williams brings a different, and arguably classier, weapon to the track. Iconic Jet, a son of Bernado, boasts an impressive record of 25 race wins and over $235,000 in prize money. Despite being better known as a stamina specialist over longer journeys, the dog has been installed as the $3 favourite with TABtouch following a perfect preparation.
The Perfect Draw and a Tactical Challenge
Iconic Jet has landed ideally in box two for the final, a draw that has pleased his trainer immensely. "It's a perfect draw, really," Williams said. "I guess one would've been nicer because the closer to the fence, the better for him. I freshened him up for it. 400m is a bit short for him but it's five minutes up the road and $60,000 to the winner, so you'd be mad not to go for it."
The favourite stamped his credentials with a powerful heat victory last week. From box three, he balanced up in second place before finishing fast to post the fastest qualifying time, defeating Clifton Jasper ($7), who has drawn inside him in box one for the final.
Williams highlighted the dog's remarkable development. "He's become very versatile. In the beginning, he had to lead to win," he explained. "But he's turned it around and can come from behind now." He also acknowledged the fierce competition, naming Surf The Sun, Aston Nero, and Jamie's duo Our Ozzie Salute and Mailata as major threats in a "tricky race."
A Fairytale Ride for Owners and Bigger Dreams Ahead
The journey has been a dream for owners led by Carli Taylor, whose only prior experience was with the modestly performed Iconic Indie. Their faith was rewarded when they famously knocked back a $150,000 offer for Iconic Jet after he clocked a slick 29.56 at The Meadows. "They've been all over the countryside watching him and love it," Williams said.
Looking beyond the Birthday Cup, Williams has grand plans for his star. A missed Perth Cup due to injury last year remains a sore point, making it a primary target. "He can win a race like that with the right draws in the series," Williams stated confidently. A victory this Friday could also secure a slot in the prestigious Sandgroper event. "It would be nice to get him in now rather than poking around trying to win races to impress judges," he added.
In other WA greyhound news, the talented Miss Evny will contest the Golden Sands heats (600m) at Queensland's Q2 Parklands on Thursday, while kennelmate Paid My Dues, from Krystal Shinners' team, lines up in the Queensland Derby.
