3 minute read
It was only a number of years ago I met Brian Barton at Goulburn greyhound track. A quietly spoken man of tall stature, with a love of greyhounds that was undeniable. If ever you needed help in greyhounds Brian was there offering.
He shared openly with me the loss of his beautiful son and how it had changed him.He raced My Bro Bardo in his son's honour. It was at this time that he had met Sue. Who was very shortly to become his wife. Seeing Sue and Brian together it was easy to assume they had something magical together. Sue herself had been a lover of other breeds of dogs prior to meeting Brian.
The greyhound adventure was about to begin. They sold up property in Sydney and headed bush. And established a greyhound property that many have said is one of the best in the country. It goes without saying that the establishment itself is what it is, because the Barton's have given every inch of sweat to make it a greyhound paradise.
In speaking to Brian this week he quitely advised me one thing, that Sue was very adamant the story was to be about Wyndra All Class and not about her battle with a brian tumour which is terminal. This alone speaks volumes obviously of Sue's strength, determination and courage to continue the battle to survive.
Wyndra All Class a superbly bred daughter of Winxette showed in the Futurity heats Saturday night all her talent and ability in a highly impressive heat win stopping the clock in a speedy 29.88. She obliterated the field by an ever widening 8 lengths and trounced favourite Punter's Bandit.
In doing so it took her record to 16 starts for 9 wins all of which have been at Wentworth Park and with a personal best of 29.67, it's the type of time that Wyndra All Class most probably will need to run to beat the likes of Mortified. As much as the super bitch likes to be drawn off the track she used box 3 to perfection last week and will exit from the same box in the final.
Sue and Brian reared Wyndra All Class and is more commonly known at home as "Annie". Sometimes in greyhound racing our greatest triumphs and achievements in the sport come with a background story of overcoming hardship or setbacks. If Wyndra All Class does happen to win the Group One futurity, it will be a victory of raw emotion and tears of happiness.
We wish Sue and Brian all the best in all their future endeavours. Let's hope the greyhound gods are with Wyndra All Class Saturday night, as she chases victory in the Group One Futurity Classic at Wentworth Park. Many of New South Wales industry participants are cheering for "Annie" and the Bartons.
