The greyhound won by a comfortable four-and-a-half lengths, to hand Mildura owners Keith, Jon, Cheryl and Sue Bowen their first win. 

Jon Bowen said the win had to be dedicated to him and his brother Keith’s mother Norma, who grew up in the Wimmera-Mallee town of Hopetoun. 

“When she passed away we bought Jimmy with our inheritance,” Jon said.

“It’s special to win close to our mother’s hometown. The first dog we ever bought we named after mum. 

“We certainly would dedicate this to our mother. I’m sure she would be up there and had a few dollars on Jimmy to win. She liked to have a bit of a punt every now and then.”

Track side there were plenty of activities to keep racegoers occupied. 

There was a jumping castle for children, while Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) volunteer Kerri Snoek was showing off a retired greyhound named Luna.

Ms Snoek said it was important to raise awareness about the adoption program, which seeks to find retired greyhound dogs a permanent home. 

“We help retired greyhounds find a home after they have finished racing,” Ms Snoek said.

“We are here tonight to show people how beautiful and peaceful greyhounds are. They are like couch potatoes.

“After the dogs are retired they go through training to make sure they are safe to be around children and other animals. They are really gentle animals. 

“It would be great if there was more people adopting greyhounds, because a lot do get taken to GAP.”

Horsham Greyhound Racing Club manager Justin Brilliant said he was wrapped with the amount of families who attended the night, which was the first cup run since the track upgrades were completed. 

“Everything has gone well and I’m surprised at how many families have turned up tonight – it’s great to see so many children here having a good time,” he said.

“It’s our biggest night of the year and there were plenty of local trainers involved.”

Many racegoers had visited Horsham to attend both the cup and the Horsham Fishing Competition on Sunday. 

“It’s always our goal to support the Horsham Fishing Competition and they support us,” Mr Brilliant said.