Blue Blend chasing Origin repeat

By Josh Spasaro

Like Queensland’s rugby league team, there is a special never-say-die spirit among the Sunshine State’s greyhound racing industry.

It is one they will need to call upon against a high-quality team of dogs from New South Wales in the 2026 Origin Greyhound Series at Q2 Parklands on Thursday night.

Those are the thoughts of Jeff Crawford, trainer of Blue Blend, who won last year's series-deciding Match Race and will line up in the same format against the "freakish" Cumbria Jack this year.

Blue Blend secured the shield for the Maroons in stunning fashion in 2025.

He dominated against gun sprinter Jungle Johnny, triumphing by five lengths in a record-breaking 29.16 second run over the 520 metre journey.

“It was a real highlight for our kennels. With the atmosphere and theatre of the State of Origin, to go into the final race of the series at 1-all and have a Match Race to decide it was a real spectacle,” Crawford said.

“To come away with a win was the icing on top.”

Up against convincing Cyndie’s Magic Final champion Cumbria Jack for this year’s instalment of the Origin Match Race, Blue Blend will have to once again call upon that famous Queensland spirit.

“It’s going to be a tough mountain to climb. My dog is on the way back to form and Cumbria Jack is right up there at the moment,” Buccan-based trainer Crawford said.

“He’s right at the top of the mountain in great form and I’m struggling to see where I can beat him in the run.

“I can’t run him down and I don’t know whether I’m strong enough to be able to hold him out.

“There’s no place to hide in a two-dog match race. We’ll certainly be there trying our best, but it’s going to be a bit tougher this year, I think.”

Crawford agrees with a sentiment around the nation regarding Cumbria Jack, who won last week’s Group 2 Cyndie’s Magic Final over 600 metres by two-and-a-quarter lengths in 34.20 seconds.

The Fernando Bale and Cumbria Ninno black dog is currently under the care of Queensland master trainer Tony Brett for NSW conditioner Stephen Fitch. Cumbria Jack is regarded as a freakish talent.

“He’s certainly got freakish ability. He’s really well bred and he’s been trained well by both Stephen Fitch and Tony Brett while up here,” Crawford said.

“There’s been no stone unturned with this dog. His preparation has been really well planned from the outside looking in, of course.”

Like the Maroons, who are often written off before upsetting their star-studded opponents south of the border, Blue Blend cannot be discounted.

The Hooked On Scotch and Kiss And Cut chaser won the $40,200 QGOLD Winter Sprint Final over 457 metres on May 9, crossing the line in 24.87 seconds.

“He loves competition. He’s a better race dog than he is a trial dog. You put the race rug on him and he knows he’s at the races,” Crawford said.

“He really does lift his game. The format of match racing really suits my dog because at times he likes to use a bit of the track.

“And, only having one dog to try and get around in a two-dog match race is a lot easier.

“He’s a high-speed dog, as is Cumbria Jack. We saw his power on display last Thursday night. It’s not going to be easy.”

Just like in the footy, NSW’s squad of greyhounds is brimming with talent.

But, Queensland’s dogs and connections have something those south of the border would be envious of – pride in the Maroons jumper.

“I think all three matches, this year New South Wales has a group of dogs with a lot more depth than we have,” Crawford said.

“Some of our really good dogs are on the sidelines with injury this year. It’s going to be a tough one.

"I’m a New South Welshman and haven't been in Queensland long. But, I’ve learned in my time up here there’s a Queensland spirit that doesn’t lie down.

“And, I think all the connections of the dogs will be there to have a real hard go and give it their best.

“It’s going to be fun. Cumbria Jack looks the dog to beat in the Match Race, Winsome Jet in the Sprint and in the Distance, Jack Smith’s dog (Magpie Hector) looks hard to beat.

“And, also Andy Lord and Jason Thompson’s dogs, they’re going to be tough this year.”

Crawford will also have Rockhampton Cup champion Star Turn running around for Queensland in the Origin Sprint.