Caption: Townsville trainer Mark Partland with his smart sprinter Bag The Cash. (Photo: Louise Partland)
By MIKE HILL
MARK Partland, who began training only four years ago, has made giant strides with the lead and collar this year.
He and his wife Louise moved to a 20-acre vacant block at Majors Creek, south of Townsville, in early January with the vision of developing a successful greyhound breeding-training complex.
“We’ve started wi’Keep smilingth a blank canvas and we’re creating, hopefully, something we’ll be proud of,” Partland said.
And already it’s paying dividends.
So far this year, Mark, who we feature in this month’s The Trainer column, has led in a total of 58 winners – a huge jump from the 10 victories he produced last year and the seven he had in 2021.
Partland sits in fifth spot on the Townsville trainers’ premiership.
“We’re having a good season,” he said.
“It’s the first time we’ve really had a crack at it.”
The Partlands, who have two adult children, are developing their property with the future of their dog operation high on the agenda.
“We have a 20-dog kennel block, a straight track (170m), bull ring and sprint lanes, but no house just yet,” Mark said
“We’re living in a caravan at the moment, but with our business and the dogs, we’re not spending a lot of time in the van.
“It’s a lot different to the three or four kennels we had before in town.”
Mark and Louise run a popular seafood retail business in Townsville and with their greyhound operation they are kept extremely busy.
As well, Mark is treasurer of the Townsville Greyhound Club, while Louise is the club’s official track photographer.
“Although it’s a hobby, Louise has a passion for photos,” her proud husband said.
“She’s a big part of what we do and she has played a huge role in the kennel’s success this year.”
Partland admitted he’d had a keen interest in greyhounds for a while.
“I’ve owned dogs over the years,” he said, “but instead of just owning them, I decided to give training a go.
“We have 15 dogs in work and we’re planning to also move into the breeding side of the sport in coming months.”
Partland is pinning his hopes on the well-bred Rumble Rose (Fabregas-Joyce Rumble), a bitch from Steve Kavanagh’s famed Rumble line, becoming one of his foundation bitches.
“She’s a six-month bitch and is due to come on season in February,” he said.
“We’re looking at possibly mating her with one of Fernando Bale’s sons, perhaps Koblenz, Wow or My Redeemer.”
Partland admitted one of the best dogs he’s had as an owner was another of the Kavanagh breed, Murphy Rumble, while as a trainer he considers Bag The Cash and Jazz Party as his best.
During his time with the lead and collar, he has rugged his share of doubles and he produced his first winning treble at a Tuesday night meeting back in June.
“It was my best night as a trainer,” he said.
As well as his three winners, he also had a second and a third.
Then last month Partland had another big night rugging up his second successful treble.
He took four runners to a mid-month Tuesday night meeting and returned home with the well-supported trio – Haytown’s Trio ($1.75), Cool Bananas ($2.20) and Barcia Beach ($2.30) – all winners.
1: How and when did you get involved in greyhound racing?
A: Owned a few greyhounds on and off over the past 15-20 years. Began helping Brad Belford in his kennel eight years ago and the passion has grown since then.
2: Who has been the greatest influence on you as a trainer?
A: Steve Kavanaugh, Daniel Miles and Brad Belford. Also many of the local trainers including Mick Hickmott, Michael Fusco, Rhonda Essery and Heath Ardle. They have all shared a wealth of knowledge, which continues even to today.
3: At what age do you start a pup for racing?
A: Eighteen months, depending on the maturity of the dog.
4: How long does it take to prepare a pup for its first race?
A: About four months from the time it starts work. Each dog is different.
5: What makes a good pup?
A: Their composure, confidence and, of course, an ability to run.
6: Do you do anything special when preparing a young dog for its maiden compared to a seasoned performer?
A: Set a training routine, show patience, give it plenty of track experience with regular field trials.
7: Do you have a set routine for all your greyhounds or do you vary training for individual runners?
A: Each dog tends to have their own routine. Some require more work than others.
8: Do you have any unique or unusual methods you would like to share in regard to training?
A: Nothing I would class as unique or unusual.
9: Do you swim your dogs as part of your training regime?
A: We used to take them to the beach when we were in town, however, we no longer have easy access where we are.
10: How frequently do you like to race your dogs?
A: Depends on the dog. Majority once a week. Occasionally one may back up twice a week. Some less than weekly. The dogs let us know if they are run down or eager to race.
11: What’s your training routine for dogs between races?
A: Walker, yard work, sprint lane and lots of opportunity for them to get out in a yard for a sniff and play. No trialling when they are racing.
12: Do you do all muscle work on your dogs and treat all injuries?
A: I do the basics. I get Daniel Miles or Billy Rudd to check the dogs regularly and seek out advice if needed.
13: Which is the best greyhound you have trained?
A: Bag The Cash won seven straight in Townsville, while Jazz Party has won over all our distances (380m, 498m and 643m). She has also bounced back after some severe injuries and is just a pleasure to have in the kennel.
14: What do you consider is the best greyhound track in Australia and why?
A: Being a Townsville trainer I would have to say Townsville. People may think it is easy to win in Townsville, but there are a lot of good dogs up here and it is very competitive. It is not easy to bring a dog from down south to race in this sometimes-harsh climate.
15: What does the industry need most going forward?
A: For Townsville some upgraded facilities in our region are needed. Going forward making sure the industry is clean so that it is a level playing field for everyone is important.
16: What is the best advice you could give someone just starting out as a trainer?
A: Ask plenty of questions. Listen to those in the industry. Don’t take short cuts. Smile!
