Caption: Tayla Shoesmith with Lipstick Chaser after success over the 400m at Mailand recently.
By DIMITY MAHER (The Greyhound Girl)
While greyhound racing cops more than its fair share of criticism when it comes to encouraging youngsters to participate in the industry, no greater example of what greyhounds can do for someone was more evident than on a Thursday afternoon at Maitland during May.
I previously penned an article on Hunter Valley handler, Tayla Shoesmith, who is on the autism spectrum and has struggled with confidence and social interaction.
Without hesitation when asked by trainer, David Lewis, to handle Lipstick Chaser, Tay picked up the lead and collar and was off to the 400m for the first time in her life.
Starting as a $23 outsider, the daughter of Feral Franky and Destini Soprano began brilliantly from box two and was never headed, clocking a slick time of 22.38.
There were smiles aplenty post-race, with Tay now boasting a 100% handling strike rate that she’s incredibly proud of.
The confidence and sense of achievement from what she accomplished will not only encourage other youngsters to take out their handler’s licence but reiterates how amazing and important greyhound racing is.
Young Hadley, the daughter of participants, Josh and Jamie Brunton, was bitten by the greyhound bug from the day she was born.
Her obsession with this magnificent breed grows by the day, with her opportunity to select a pup from the litter of Wow and Miss Cover Girl, a definitive highlight so far.
‘Hads’ selected a fawn pup, who she named Jack, who stepped out in his first racetrack appearance at Goulburn during May, under the guidance of her grandfather, Bruce Lloyd.
The 30kg chaser, named Be Nimble, stepped well from the six alley, before showing brilliant track sense for a first starter to rail underneath the leader and scoot away to score by a margin of two lengths over the 350m in a time of 20.32.
Understandably, Hads was elated and very impressed with the victory of her boy, Jack, and deservedly took a great deal of credit for the victory.
Wentworth Park is one track where every trainer yearns to put the polish on a winner and for trainer, Andrew Katalinic and handler, Corey Lowe, they celebrated their first success at the Glebe circuit together.
Corey put the lead and collar on King Harada, with Andrew previously knocking on the door to victory, having finished second three times in recent weeks with Glycerine.
The 35kg son of Good Odds Harada and Aria’s The One saluted from box one over the 520m by a length in a time of 30.24.
Andrew was away on holidays, with Corey elated to capture a photo of the special moment trackside, no doubt a priceless piece of memorabilia that will head straight to the pool room.
Victorian participant, Nadine Jack, achieved something that not many 23-year-olds can attest to and that’s the opportunity to handle a Group One winner.
On Thursday during May at Sandown, Nadine couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she watched Stormy Day jump and run in the G1 Harrison-Dawson Final for trainers, Jessica and Jason Sharp.
Her pride and satisfaction was evident post-race, conducting a brilliant post-race interview, which hopefully encourages and inspires other young people to experience a similar thrill.
