While Lisa Cockerell is listed as the trainer of Cornelius Fudge, a finalist in the $145,000 Group 2 Berwick Mazda Harrison-Dawson on Thursday night, her three year old twins Taylor and Morgan claim to being the real trainers of ‘Cashy.’
“They feed him and brush him and rug him, they’re with him at the races and on trial days. They just love him,” said Cockerell.
“They’re still a little young to really understand how big a race he’s in, but they get very excited when he or any one of our dogs win.”
Greyhound racing is an integral part of Cockerell’s life. Introduced to the sport after a friend asked her to help out behind the bar at the Geelong track, she met her future husband Ian soon after and the pair now train a team of 16 greyhounds on their 10 acre property in Buckley just out of Geelong.
The Cockerell’s racing team is mostly made up of greyhounds they have bred and reared themselves, and while they have featured in a number of Group finals, are yet to taste success at that level. A win in one of the biggest races of the year would be a life changer for the family.
“To be honest, I just want one of those presentation rugs!” said Lisa, laughing.
“The $100,000 would be really good too – to win a race like this would be something out of this world. But more than anything, it’d be fantastic for the dog. He races against the best dogs each week and to have a Group win against his name would be amazing.”
Cornelius Fudge boasts an impressive record at Sandown Park, winning six of his 21 starts at the venue including a scintillating 29.30 win in February. He’s rated a $14 chance by TAB after drawing box 5 in the final.
“I don’t think the box draw will worry him too much because he’s a bit slow early.
“Actually his mother Finlandia made two Sapphrie Crown finals (the female only series that runs concurrently with the male only Harrison-Dawson series) and drew poorly both times so it seems to be a theme!”
While there is plenty of racing left in the three year old fawn chaser, ‘Cashy’s’ has already booked his seat on the couch upon his retirement.
“All of our retired dogs go through the Greyhound Adoption Program, but he’s a part of the family. He’s such a beautiful dog and the kids absolutely adore him so he’ll be staying home with us.”
