STILL HAS AN INTEREST
Retired greyhound trainer Chris Cotton, who was formerly based at Lewiston, had a return to the track on Friday at Gawler, this time as an owner.
Chris’s win came in the second race of the day, a 400m Maiden, with his runner, Spring Rascal drawn in box 2. But it was New Excuse in box 5 that was best away, with Spring Rascal caught well back on the rails. However Spring Rascal gathered some pace and with a determined effort was able to rail inside the field and hit the front down the back straight. Spring Rascal went on to win by a length over the fast finishing Ninth Legion (4) for Graham Brown of Whyalla, with Cash Producer (1) third for Paul Fagan of Calomba.
Chris and his wife Lorraine retired from work and greyhounds some five years ago, settling at Coobowie on Yorke Peninsula, where Chris said they live in “retired bliss”. His ownership came about after a member of a syndicate, Coobowiie publican Travis Peters, asked Chris for some advice. The syndicate had folded but had the dog named Spring Rascal still in Victoria. Chris stepped in and arranged for the greyhound to be re-educated, and contacted Paskeville trainer David Hall to see if he would take on the training duties. David agreed and the greyhound has now been back in SA for two months. Having run seventh in his only race, connections were very pleased to see the improved run.
Chris said he couldn’t really visualise not having some involvement with greyhounds, but it was good to have someone else doing the work. That still allows Chris plenty of time for fishing!
Training honours for the day were with Robyn Mackellar, who trained a trio of winners, with each having convincing victories. The first was Serendipitous, which won by 8 lengths, the next was Gee Eye Blues which won by a massive 10 ½ lengths in a blistering 22.49 secs, with the final winner being Mepunga Georgia with a margin of 2 ½ lengths.
Don’t forget we race every Tuesday afternoon and Sunday evening, so join us at the track for great racing, while having a meal.