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Inspirational Wests Tigers supporter Lleyton Giles has found another reason to smile in the form of greyhound Run For Lleyton.
The 20-month-old greyhound has won one of his two starts and was named after the courageous five-year-old who has touched the lives of many in his fight against a terminal liver condition.
Co-owner Jason Grice has been a family friend of the Giles family through Lleyton’s father, Wes. ason’s uncle Steven Arnold is the trainer.
The greyhound was originally registered to be called Boston George before a decision was made to change the name to Run For Lleyton three weeks before his first start at Nowra on September 22.
“I get along well with Lleyton and his father and it is pretty sad what they are going through. I thought it would be good to name a greyhound after little Lleyton. This is my little way of helping the family,’’ Grice said.
“Lleyton enjoys watching the greyhounds with his dad and I thought it would give him plenty to cheer about when he sees a dog running in his name.
“It was a shame Run For Lleyton couldn’t win first up. He missed the start and got knocked over but he finished fifth.
“When he missed the start at his second run yesterday, I thought we were in a bit of trouble but he had box three. He can find the fence and when he does, he can certainly take off. He is a real little fighter.
“His win was good but he will get even better once he gets to the 520m distance.”
A Parramatta supporter, Grice said he had been touched by the amount of generosity and love shown by Wests Tigers and their supporters. He also plans to speak with co-owner Adrian Buxton about donating some of the prizemoney from Run For Lleyton to the family.
“What Wests Tigers have done for Lleyton and the family has been unbelievable. They have gone above and beyond,’’ he said
“It proves how good the rugby league community is. Plenty of people are quick to say bad things about footballers but they don’t see the good things they do. Wests Tigers have been amazing with the family."
–----------------on a side note i have just recieved the papers back for my greyhound. its racing name is “Marshall Magic”. hope it has footwork like him! should be racing in several months
