Caption: Townsville hobby trainer Lee Pearce with one of her winners Zena Arena.
By MIKE HILL
IT takes a highly motivated and dedicated individual to promote any sport and the Townsville Greyhound Club is lucky enough to have one such person in Lee Pearce.
A hobby trainer with more than 40 years’ experience, Pearce is featured in this month’s The Trainer column.
Lee loves her dogs but also enjoys spruiking all aspects of greyhound racing.
At Racing Queensland Greyhounds’ recent gala presentation night at the Brisbane Greek Club, Pearce was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award for her dedication and service to the sport.
A member of the Townsville club committee, she has taken on the demanding role of media-PR spokesperson.
“I like doing what I do,” she said last month.
“I really enjoy liaising with the media and assisting our secretary-manager in promoting the club.
“It’s a great time to be in the sport.
“With increased prizemoney and two meetings a week, the quality of dog coming to Townsville is improving all the time.
“Back in the day we hardly ever saw a local dog qualify for our rich Cup final.
“But with Redemption Day winning both the Wildcard and G3 Cup final last year that all changed.
“It was great to see the Cup stay in the North.
“Hopefully we can get the bikkies again this year.”
Pearce, who has worked closely with fellow trainer Keith Jackson, has had several good dogs over the years and more recently has been successful with FFA performer Super Sting and the talented sprinter Black Amex.
“We used to train together under the Azztek Racing logo, but at the moment Keith is not in the best of health,” she said.
Based at Kirwan, a Townsville suburb, Pearce is always happy to pick up a winner.
She has three dogs in work – one a well-bred youngster, Ava Supreme, who Pearce believes has a win or two in her.
“She was a gift to Keith at Christmas when he was in hospital after hip surgery,” the trainer said.
“She’s a bit immature and is still learning her craft.”
However, to Pearce’s delight the youngster broke through for her first victory in a heat of the Townsville Maiden 1000 (380m) late last month.
The well-put-together 29.9kg Superior Panama-Wynburn Ava black bitch was impressive winning by five-and-three-quarter lengths.
Pearce said she caught the greyhound bug when she was in her mid-teens.
“I was 15 at the time and trainer Laurie Heilbronn and his wife Florence were looking for someone to walk their dogs at the weekend,” she said.
“My brother and the Heilbronns’ son were mates and it all started from there.
“I had many great mentors in the early years, including Frank and Edith Hancock … they taught me a lot.”
Forty-two years on and Lee still loves being involvement in the sport – both with the lead and collar and promoting all things greyhound.
1: How and when did you get involved in greyhound racing?
A: As a teenager.
2: Who has been the greatest influence on you as a trainer?
A: Frank and Edith Hancock and Laurie Heilbronn.
3: At what age do you start preparing a pup for racing?
A: Depending on when they were educated, usually 17 months for bitches and 18 months for dog.
4: How long does it take to prepare a pup for its first race?
A: I like to take my time with youngsters, so probably between 6-8 weeks.
5: What makes a good pup?
A: Good breeding, size, stature, nature and ability.
6: Do you do anything special when preparing a young dog for its maiden compared to a seasoned performer?
A: Yes, we like to give the youngsters a couple of slip trials working back towards the boxes. Then a couple of jump-outs on their own letting them have a good look at the track and then a couple of trials with another dog where possible. Our seasoned racers only get a trial if coming back from a spell or injury. We also like to gallop up the straight.
7: Do you have a set routine for all your greyhounds or do you vary training for individual runners?
A: The ones in training now all have the same routine.
8: Do you swim your dogs as part of your training regime?
A: No, not unless they are returning from a serious injury.
9: How frequently do you like to race your dogs?
A: It depends on the dog. Some like to race twice a week and others only once a week.
10: What’s your training routine for dogs between races?
A: If they race twice in a week then not a great deal, mainly matting, massage and hydrobath. Once-a-week racers get the next day off and then it’s back to the walking machines twice a day.
11: Do you do all muscle work on your dogs?
A: I can do the basics with my dogs. Any minor concerns I give a friend a ring to help me out, and any major concerns then it’s a trip to the vet.
12: Do you do treat all injuries to your dogs yourself?
A: Minor injuries and soreness yes, anything like webbings etc; then we have a vet look at them.
13: Which is the best greyhound you have trained?
A: We have had a few over the years, but my two biggest stand-outs would have to be Super Sting and Black Amex.
14: What does the industry need most going forward?
A: We need to see more younger people getting involved in the industry.
15: What is the best advice you could give someone just starting out as a trainer?
A: Come to our trials, talk to trainers and get advice, then look at whether you want to own and train or just own. Take on board what trainers say to you then take the time to look around for a dog. A lot of trainers in Townsville are very willing to help you out with any questions you may have such as kibble, meat supplements, trialling and when to gallop your dog.
