Two years after taking gaining her trainer’s license, Melanie Lithgow arrived at Sandown with her first city starter. After the first race on the card, she had joined the ranks of city winning trainers.
“I’m over the moon!” said Lithgow soon after her biggest moment in greyhound racing.
Sent to the boxes a 30/1 chance, Clumsy Tank found trouble soon after box rise. However the son of Made To Size rode the bumps in the incident packed race to reel in Desire Smurfette and land his first win at start number 24.
“We knew he could break through, we just weren’t sure he could do it in this field.”
Clumsy Tank qualified for the 595m novice final after running second in his heat the previous Sunday, an accomplishment in itself that thrilled Lithgow. To win the final – and the $6260 first prize – was a fantastic reward for the entire team.
Formerly from Warrnambool, Lithgow got into training after having trouble finding a trainer for three greyhounds she owned with her husband, Sean. Unperturbed, she decided to train them herself.
“I’ve been training greyhounds for a couple of years with my husband. We train at home for a syndicate of six or seven and everyone helps out, and the hard work has paid off.”
That support is invaluable for the young Devon Meadows couple, both of whom work full time in the city and work their team of six greyhounds when they get home. The teamwork even extends to the selection of greyhounds – Melanie and Sean pick out one each ‘because that’s what we always do’.
With a city win under his belt, what is next on the agenda for Clumsy Tank?
“I was thinking of sending him to Tasmania but I think he’ll stay with me now!” said Lithgow with a laugh.
“He’s pretty strong and looks like he’ll get more distance so we’ll step him up over more ground and see how he goes.”
But there were more pressing matters before Clumsy Tank’s next start, a celebratory drink perhaps?
“No, I have to get home and do the dogs!”
With that work rate and passion for the sport, Clumsy Tank is likely to be the first of many wins under city lights for Melanie Lithgow.
