News

Flying Zulu and the Thompson Topgun Legacy Return

The Topgun at The Meadows has always belonged to the elite. And few conditioners in Australian greyhound racing have defined this race like Jason and Seona Thompson.

Sportsbet Topgun

Dream Chasers

5 Nov

,

2025

The Topgun at The Meadows has always belonged to the elite. And few conditioners in Australian greyhound racing have defined this race like Jason and Seona Thompson.

Between them, the Thompson kennel has already claimed five Topgun titles – a staggering strike rate in one of the most selective and prestigious invitational races we have on offer.

On Saturday night, as the Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival launches for 2025, they return again with Flying Zulu primed and ready to strike from box eight.

For Jason Thompson, the Topgun is its own art form.

“I really enjoy getting them ready and firing for a race like this,” Thompson said.

“It’s different to heat and final preparation. If they’re going well enough, you generally have a feel earlier that they’ll be in the race before fields are even drawn.”

Flying Zulu comes into the race following an unlucky Cranbourne Cup run. But Thompson said the dog pulled up perfectly and returns to The Meadows – a track he handles exceptionally well.

“He has won big races from out wide and he goes well at The Meadows.”

When the Thompsons purchased Flying Zulu originally, they never imagined he would produce the career he has delivered.

“Just getting into the race is a huge achievement for him. He has competed at the highest level consistently for such a long period.”

For racing fans watching on Racing.com this Saturday night, Thompson summed it up perfectly:

“He gives his all. Regardless of draw. Regardless of conditions. He just keeps trying.”

The Thompson kennel is also represented in the Group 1 Topgun Stayers with Ayden’s Warrior.

Dream Chasers launches Saturday night at The Meadows – and this is exactly the type of storyline the festival was built for.

Events

The Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival is back!

With over $3.5million in prize money up for grabs, The Meadows and Sandown Park again play host to these blockbuster greyhound events, including the history and prestige of the Group 1 Sportsbet Melbourne Cup, as well as the energy and excitement of the most exhilarating race in greyhound racing, The Phoenix. Be sure to get on course or watch all the action live and exclusive on Racing.com or Sky Racing.

Heading

Location

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Nov

7

Sportsbet Topgun

The Meadows

Start your Sportsbet Dream Chasers Festival experience with an unforgettable night of hospitality at The Meadows. There are a number of exciting ways to be part of this premier night of entertainment, with three massive Group 1 races set to light up the track. This year’s Sportsbet Topgun has something for everyone. Trackside, The Meadows will bring the Dream Chasers Festival to life with an electric atmosphere, crowd participation and plenty of surprises in store. Meanwhile, dining guests can enjoy first-class hospitality, and entertainment throughout the night.


Nov

21

Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Heats

Sandown Park

This is where legends begin. On Saturday 21 November, the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup and Bold Trease heats explode into life at Sandown Park, as Australia’s fastest greyhounds go flat out for a place in the biggest finals of the year. Eight heats. No second chances. Dreams made and broken in under 30 seconds. And the action doesn’t stop at the finish line. Rewind 80s will have the crowd singing outside near Box 9, a DJ keeps the party pumping upstairs, and local community clubs bring the colour and noise as they’re drawn their Community Sweep finalists. Grab a bite from the food trucks, settle in for a buffet with the family, or talk tactics with Australia’s Greatest Greyhound Punter, Troy Little. General admission is free, so round up your mates and be there when the field takes shape.

Nov

28

Sportsbet Melbourne Cup

Sandown Park

The Sportsbet Melbourne Cup is considered the world's greatest greyhound race, boasting an honour roll that's unrivalled. Each November, Sandown Park becomes the stage where legends are made and history is written at lightning speed.

Dec

12

The Phoenix

The Meadows

After five editions, The Phoenix has quickly risen to become the most captivating greyhound race in the country. Offering a total prize pool of $1.65 million and $1 million to the winner, it’s the richest greyhound race in the world and the biggest party in greyhound racing! Be part of the phenomenon in 2026.