Caption: Trainer Sandra Hunt with the Nathan Trigg-owned Kahlo Hayze after a recent win at Albion Park. Kahlo Hayze is favourite for Thursday night’s Winged Runner Trophy Final (520m) at ‘The Creek’. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)

By Pat McLeod

Experienced Bundaberg owner-breeder Nathan Trigg understands the significance of his debut in a Winged Runner final on Thursday night at Albion Park.

For a decade he and wife Tracy, a trainer in her own right, have bred with building success, especially in combination with shrewd metropolitan conditioner Sandra Hunt.

However, on Thursday night Trigg sees more than a potential feature race win with Kahlo Hayze in the 520m event for open bitches.

He sees the future.

“As far as I am aware we have never made a final of the Winged Runner,” he said.

“In fact, across our breeding and racing we have never had a great depth of bitches over 520m.

“These ones (Kahlo Hayze’s litter) are the first that have broken 30 seconds.

“We have been very happy with this litter and the big positive has been that it has resulted in several quite strong bitches and I am always looking for that next broodbitch.”

The Winged Runner Trophy Final (520m) is raced in honour of the 2000 Queensland Greyhound Of The Year, Winged Runner, who was trained by the legendary John Reimer and won a then-record 32 races at Albion Park.

Trigg is celebrating plenty of success with another litter (Aston Dee Bee x Merlot Hayze) with Sandra Hunt, but the high achievers from that group are either males – Tomahawk Hayze (prizemoney $120,945) – or short-course females – Barty Hayze ($92,960).

With the more recent, Orson Allen x Dolcetto Hayze litter, Trigg has three females that have already broken 30 seconds at Albion Park – Kahlo Hayze (29.72), Mustang Hayze (29.98) and Cleopatra Hayze (29.96).

While excited with the breeding potential of his latest chasers, Trigg is reluctant to over-state his dogs’ track potential, even though Kahlo Hayze has won eight of her last nine outings at ‘headquarters’.

“I am not one to talk a dog up, especially prematurely, but I do like the way that Kahlo Hayze works through a field,” he said.

“She is a well-balanced runner. She has always been a nice dog with good chase instincts, which is always something that you are looking for.

“I think as far as the Winged Runner goes, this will be another step up again for this dog as she goes through the grades.

“Box 6? Well, she hasn’t won out of there so far. There is also some good speed outside of her with Waikarie Molly (Brian Baker), who is normally quick early.

“So, it is really just a case of waiting to see how it pans out over the first 20 metres.

“We haven’t really thought too far ahead with this dog, just seeing how she goes so far and there are a few age races coming up.

“We are really stoked with the way she is going and Sandra has done a great job with her.”

Trigg believes the Winged Runner Final will be close, with good quality across the field, but no standout.

“There is a lot of speed in this race,” he said.

“The Elson dogs (Cyndie Elson has Hello Cyndie and Cincinnati Lana, while son Travis has Aidan’s Queen) are always going to be up for these races.

“Aidan’s Queen has been in very good form and has the one box. If she gets out, she could be the one we are all chasing.  

“I certainly see Waikarie Molly (Box 7) as one of the dangers, as is Jumping Jive (Box 4), who has been racing well.

“So yes, a very close race.”