Tasmanian trainer Scott Bryan’s maintained his perfect training record on the mainland when Wynburn Wizard railed brilliantly to claim the $58,000 Launching Pad at Sandown Park tonight.
Just a week after Wynburn Wizard claimed victory in his Victorian debut, the son of Collide repeated that effort to claim the Group 2 feature.“Unbelievable,” said a delighted Bryan after the race.
“He was drawn where he needed to be (in box 2), and I was hoping he would beat the red out or at least lob behind him, but he missed the start which is unlike him.”
Despite the tardy get away, Wynburn Wizard railed behind the early leader Mepunga Ranger but was frustrated for a clear run down the back straight. However Mepunga Ranger moved off the fence on turning for home and allowing Wynburn Wizard to storm to victory.
“He’s a hard railer and won’t move off the fence.
“I thought we were in trouble when the four dog (Jeff Britton’s Texas Titan) loomed up, but once my bloke got the run on the rail he pushed through and was just a bit too strong.”
Bryan, 37, trains a small team of young greyhounds in Wynyard, a coastal town of 5000 people northwest of Burnie. Competing in races of the calibre of the Launching Pad was not only an enormous thrill, but lead to a satisfying sense of achievement.
“It means a lot, standing up there with Group 1 winning trainers like Jeff Britton and Tony Brett and the like. But my mentor Tom Englund (owner of Wyburn Wizard) said never underestimate yourself as a trainer.
“It has been such an excellent experience, we’ll definitely be back soon.”
The win was Wynburn Wizard’s seventh of his 19 start career, and the $40,000 first prize boosted his career prize money to $57,750.
Later in the evening, the exciting Campaspe Will claimed the inaugural running of the $21,750 Easter Gift (Listed), sweeping past the quality field down the back straight to storm to an ever widening 9 length win in a slick 29.18 seconds.
While the action ran hot on the track, more than 500 kids enjoyed the club’s annual Easter Fun Kids Night, participating in a range of exciting events including Owner For The Day, Beat the Bunny races, a giant Easter Egg hunt and a host of free activities.
