Deadly Avenger Secured for Phoenix by David Bourke Constructions

David Bourke Constructions has today confirmed Deadly Avenger as their representative in the 2025 Phoenix, following an announcement made live on SENTrack with Gareth Hall by Jason Thompson.

Bourke – a long-time family friend of the Thompsons – made it clear early in negotiations that his Phoenix runner must come from Jason Thompson’s Awesome Lodge.

With that in mind, Deadly Avenger was moved into Thompson’s care on Tuesday, where he has already settled in perfectly.

Thompson said the choice was driven by talent, experience, and suitability for the race, and he believes the timing is right.

“It was a wise move for him to be left out of the Topgun,” Thompson said.

“He was underdone in his preparation for the Melbourne Cup series being his second run back from a fair layoff.”

Deadly Avenger finished fifth in a Melbourne Cup heat behind Intrepidus, before turning heads with a powerful performance in a Group Listed Cup Night Sprint running second.

“He followed up with an unbelievable run in a special event sprint on Melbourne Cup night,” Thompson said.

“I didn’t see a better run from any other dog on Melbourne Cup night.”

Originally, the plan had been for Bourke to select a greyhound already in the Thompson kennel. But with several Awesome Lodge stars sidelined through injury or recently retired, Thompson also had to consider contenders for his own Phoenix slot.

“The connections of Deadly Avenger have been unbelievable to work with,” Thompson said.

Deadly Avenger has adapted quickly to his new environment and will have a hit-out in the coming days as preparations ramp up for the $1.65M feature at The Meadows.

Meanwhile, Team Thompson is still weighing up which of their own runners will represent Awesome Lodge in the world’s richest greyhound race.

“It’s a big call – we aren’t paying $100,000 for a night out at The Meadows.”

The state of play (as of 4 December):

Metro Jetting: Cumbria Jack
RAM Racing: Eriza Sparkles
Sportsbet: Accredited
Tabcorp: Mallee Beauty
Awesome Lodge: TBC
David Bourke Constructions: Deadly Avenger
Sporting Legends: Slick Splits
Total Container Solutions: Canya Mayhem