Sunday’s Group 3 Carlin & Gazzard Cup over 512 metres had always promised plenty after the running of seven keenly-contested heats at the previous week’s meeting.

And the $26,000-to-the-winner final did not disappoint.

With a mixture of Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Victorian finalists, it was one of the local hopes in Lochinvar Cahill who led the way early from the Victorian-based Titan Blazer – back for a second crack after failing to reach last year’s final.

But turning into the back straight it was Titan Blazer who took over the running from Lochinvar Cahill and another of the Mount Gambier representatives in Sister Roberta.

From then on Titan Blazer was always going to be the one to beat although the local pair gave it their best shot – Lochinvar Cahill eventually beaten into second place by 1½ lengths with Sister Roberta a further 1¼ lengths back in third spot.

Trained at Avalon by Daniel Gibbons, Titan Blazer carved out a race record time of 29.36 seconds which lowered the record, previously jointly held by Sunset Milo and Departure Gate at 29.42 seconds.

From a local perspective, Lochinvar Cahill delighted his co-owners David Peckham and Kevin Douglas with another terrific performance at Tara Raceway while Sister Roberta, trained by Tracie Price for Matt Trzeciak’s Toot Toot Syndicate, lost no friends with her strong finishing effort.

Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club manager, Mark Dwyer, probably best summed up Sunday’s Mount Gambier Cup meeting: “It was a great day for the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club and for greyhound racing in general.”

He was spot on, too, after long-time cup-goers rated the 43rd running of the cup as one of the best ever while local bookmaker Darren Guthridge reported a significant increase in turnover on last year’s cup meeting.


Joining in the chase


Interested in becoming involved in greyhound racing but not too sure where to start?

Well, a forthcoming seminar at Tara Raceway on Lake Terrace East could be for you.

The Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club (MGGRC) is looking to help locals get their “paw in the door” with the Join in the Chase Participation Seminar which will feature interviews with local trainers and owners.

The free seminar will run from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Sunday, April 30 and follow the race meeting which will commence at approximately 11.30am.

And if you have caught the racing bug, becoming a trainer may be the next step to further involvement with greyhound racing.

If you enjoy working with the greyhounds you own, then training could be for you.

This can be financially and emotionally rewarding although confirming your ultimate decision to become a trainer will require some research.

Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) can provide information on the process involved in becoming a trainer, which, while being relatively simple, is designed to ensure the people entering the industry are doing so with the right intentions.

Many trainers’ involvement commences as a hobby before progressing their operations into part-time or full-time careers.

The benefits of training include the enjoyment of working closely with the greyhounds, being your own boss and the social aspects of racing.

However, the demands of becoming a trainer must be considered.

Greyhounds require a 24/7 commitment to ensure their welfare needs are met.

The hours are long and you may need to travel long distances to attend race meetings.

You will also need to make sure that you comply with any local council requirements with regard to land use and dog numbers.

You will also be required to have a suitable kennel set-up.

GRSA suggests it would be advisable to talk with a current trainer who will give an indication of the time and resource commitments that are required to become a successful trainer.

Tara Raceway is the home of the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club and greyhound racing in the South East.

Established in 1972, the club now hosts two afternoon race meetings a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.

With continued growth of racing in the region the annual Mount Gambier Cup is now a Group 3 race attracting a host of the best greyhounds in the state and from interstate.

Boasting a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the club is your first point of call to becoming involved in greyhound racing.

The MGGRC can help you make contact with trainers and other owners to start building relationships to get you

started.