Gippsland greyhound trainer Mick Fearnley is a big believer in giving greyhounds a range of experiences by educating them at different racetracks. One of Fearnley’s current racers, Audacious Sprite, is no exception, however seems to have taken particularly well to Traralgon’s brand new racetrack. Running a spectacular 22.376sec, Audacious Sprite secured the 395m Track Record on November 28.
“You never expect a record. However he only went half a length out of the record in his previous start and he is a dog that backs up well so it didn’t surprise me that he went a little quicker,” explained Fearnley, pictured above with Audacious Sprite.
Owners Di and husband Kevin ‘Spike’ Wainwright were “absolutely thrilled” according to Fearnley. “They are brilliant owners, I was really thrilled for them. You wouldn’t get better owners.”
WATCH: Audacious Sprite (Box 2) breaks Traralgon’s 395m track record in 22.376sec.
Fearnley explained that when Audacious Sprite races in Gippsland, they are there every time that they are not working. Di and Spike have even travelled with Fearnley to Bendigo and Healesville on occasions.
“They are beautiful people. They are the type of people you’d love to win a Warragul Cup for, or even better. They are both brilliant and faithful owners.”
Also taking a liking to the Traralgon track is the Amy Lauterboom trained Mighty Sprite. This dog ran a stellar 17.662 seconds over the 315m to grab another track record. This Magic Sprite and Miss Meehan dog has explosive pace and once he is out in front he is relentless. His current form has him at 47 starts for a commanding 24 wins.
Hector Caruana, manager of Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club, spoke of his delight of these results.
“When you get local trainers supporting your club week in, week out, it gives you a huge thrill when you see those people get hold of a really good dog, running a track record or winning a feature event,” Caruana said.
WATCH: Mighty Sprite (Box 1) record a track record 17.662sec over the 315m at Traralgon.
HOT DOGS IN GIPPSLAND
Bonnie Chignell’s best recent runs on the Gippsland circuit
Traralgon Saturday 28 November
Dynamic Heat (Judy McMahon): This girl ran a strong race of 23.25 seconds to set up a kennel quinella in the opening race of the night (Replay)
Sale Sunday 29 November
Tiger Whelan (Mark Whelan): Was part of a double for the Whelan kennel at Sale on the night (Replay)
Warragul Tuesday 1 December
Aeroplane Bob (Jason Thompson): After missing the start, this dog showed his class by powering through for his fourth straight win (Replay)
Cranbourne Wednesday 2 December
Vefah Victory (Kay King): After missing the start this dog showed real class by persevering to score an impressive maiden victory (Replay)
Sale Sunday 6 December
Off The Hip (Lesley Russel): This dog came from behind to score a thrilling win by the smallest of margins (Replay)
Warragul Tuesday 8 December
Texas Tommy (Katharine Gorman): Ran a best-of-the-night time of 25.69 in a Vic Bred GRV to the City Heat (Replay)
Cranbourne Wednesday 9 December
Go Little Pebble (Pasquale Derubeis): This girl seemed to fly on her way to a commanding 11 length victory (Replay)
Mighty Sprite with owner Dean Elliott and handler Stan Ralph.
