Shannon's father Tom, a long-time local butcher and supporter of the greyhound industry, passed away last Saturday and will be laid to rest on Friday.

Before then, the pair will have Fancy Gem compete in the race they sponsor, the Ganmain Freight 4^th/5^th Grade (320m) at Wagga on Thursday.

Shannon hopes Fancy Gem can win in honour of his late father.

"It would bring a bit of happiness I suppose in these tough times, but we'll work through it," Shannon said.

"He loved the dogs."

Fancy Gem has drawn box one for Thursday's assignment and will look to go one better than last week's second placing at Wagga.

"She ran a good race last week, nearly got the money, the other dog was just a bit too good for her but from box one I expect her to go pretty good (on Thursday)," Shannon said.

"The one's okay for her. She's got to lead or be up there in the early stages otherwise we're in a bit of trouble. There's a little bit of speed in the race but she should be right from the fence."

Ellis rates the Bruce Williams-trained Little Luna as their biggest danger.

"She can cart out a bit of time and his is one of the dogs I'm worried about," Shannon said.

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