Exciting first win for Indiia Archer
Peter Fenemor • October 10th, 2025 12:24 PM • 4 min read
Owning and training your first ever winner in the racing industry is a moment for anyone to treasure. To achieve that with the first greyhound you have been involved in is especially satisfying.
That distinction was accomplished by 20-year-old Indiia Archer during last Friday’s Hatrick meeting when she prepared her charge Last Say to win his Maiden 305m sprint in 17.75.
“It was very exciting winning with the first greyhound I have owned and trained. Last Say did everything right in his race,” enthused Archer about her charge who led all the way for his comfortable 2.25 length win in just his third race start.
She is under no illusions about the enormity of the task that Last Say faces in his Friday assignment, where he is hugely stepping up in class being drawn into a C1/2 457m field (Race 8).
Also drawn in the field are the exciting Lisa Cole prepared pair of littermates Lulu’s Dream and Criminal Minds, who are half siblings to the now retired exceptionally smart greyhound He’s All Go ($206,754).
“Yes, there is a lot of competition in Last Say’s race. I am very happy with what he has done so far,” advised Archer.
Indiia Archer was always going to be involved in greyhound racing.
Her grandfather Bill Hodgson has been integral part of the Central Districts racing scene from his Palmerston North based kennels for nearly five decades. He trained Last Say’s sire Thrilling Sam to win the Gr. 1 2005 Wellington Cup.
Bill’s sons Willie and Glen, who trained Last Say’s dam Tiger Churn to win six races, has enjoyed considerable owning and training successes.
Bill’s grandchildren are now embarking on the same journey.
18-year-old Charlie Hodgson has made an impact, having been named as the August winner of the monthly GRNZ Board award, which recognizes the valued input that under 30-year-olds contributes to greyhound racing.
Charlie is lining up his first greyhound on Friday. Making her debut appearance in Race 4 is Melrose who is a litter sister to Last Say. Another sister Save Time, who has placed in her last three races, is lining up in the same race for Bill.
Another granddaughter Natasha (Stassi) Archer is the partner of the talented young conditioner Jamie Pruden, who trains his team from Bill Hodgson’s property.
Pruden, who was a finalist for the Entain Greyhound Excellence award, has been enjoying outstanding success with his lethal Wanganui Straight Track chaser Loveable Rogue.
Bill Hodgson has been making every post a winner this season, having applied the finishing touches to 15 winners too date.
“I’m very proud of what Indiia, Charlie and Stassi have been achieving. It’s wonderful that we are all working in together, helping each other out. They are all a great help to me around the kennels, especially when I was crook.
“When Tiger Churn came into season, we used a straw from Thrilling Sam which has resulted in a smart litter, who I believe are above average.
“I wanted them to all have an involvement, so I encouraged Indiia and Charlie to get their owner/trainer licenses so they can have an opportunity of training a greyhound winner by themselves,” explained Hodgson.
And it looks like Glen Hodgson has struck gold with the pick of the litter so far with Fergie’s Girl who has won seven of her 10 races. Brother Chief Logger has won three of his four races for Glen.
Glen Hodgson trained the litters grand sire, the talented Kilchurn, to win 22 of his 34 career races.
