When New Zealander James Shaw moved to Australia to pursue a career in greyhound racing, he had no idea that a New Zealand bred greyhound would catapult him into the sport’s spotlight.
But that’s exactly what will happen on Thursday night when Know Class takes his place in the world’s richest race for stayers, the $250,000 RSN Sandown Cup.
“It’s been unreal, I’m humbled by the opportunity to have a dog in a race like the Sandown Cup,” said Shaw.
“I haven’t been too nervous yet, but by Thursday night that might be a bit different.”
While trying to stay in routine as much as possible leading into his first Group race final, the 23 year old Cantabrian has had a busy week with as many nine media interviews, including several from his native New Zealand.
“From what I’m told they’re advertising it as a showcase event in New Zealand, and a couple of journalists are heading across to cover it.The race will be on just before midnight at home but there’s plenty of interest in how Know Class goes.”
Shaw’s path to Australia and into greyhound racing is an unconventional one. Despite spending four years at university and graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, Shaw ‘didn’t like being inside all day’ and pounced at the opportunity to work full time with one of the sport’s leading training partnerships.
“When Jeff and Angela went to New Zealand for the Platinum Paws they stayed with (New Zealand trainer) Craig Roberts and his family whom I did a bit of work for.
“Later, I came over to Australia with Craig’s son Matt to see a few properties. We went to Sandown one Sunday and that’s where we saw Jeff and he invited us to his place. I ended up working there for three months during the summer before heading back home to finish uni.
“After I graduated I spent a bit of time ‘mucking around’ before Jeff called last June to tell me he had a position with him if I wanted it.”
Shaw jumped at the opportunity and, having taken out his trainer’s license prior to arriving in Australia, now trains four greyhounds between his duties at the expansive Britton/Langton training complex.
‘Cole’, as Know Class is known in the kennel, didn’t join his compatriot in Australia until six weeks ago. Shaw had him tabbed as a potential top stayer 12 months earlier.
“I did a bit of work with his owner, Garry Cleeve back in New Zealand and I spoke to him about stepping him up in distance then, but he was still competitive in sprint races at the time so decided to keep him there.
“After he won on his staying debut (in March), Garry sent me text but it went to my New Zealand number so it took another week before he got in touch with me.”
Since then, Know Class ran two impressive races over 595m before stepping up and winning in the last stride at his 715m debut. He franked that form with a strong win in last week’s RSN Sandown Cup heat and comes into the final with a good each way chance.
“I don’t think the box draw is too bad (he’s drawn box 5).
“I thought once he got over the distance he might get out a little quicker out because he has shown glimpses of having early pace, but he has gotten back into old habits. That said, he should get a pretty clear run with the dogs drawn around him.”
Not only does Shaw have the support of entire nation behind him, he has the support of his employers despite Jeff and Angela having three runners of their own racing for the $175,000 first prize.
“They have been very supportive all week. I think they’ll be happy for anyone who wins but especially if one of our four get over the line.
“Last week (when Britton quinellaed the Group 1 Macro Meats Sapphire Crown) was amazing to be a part of. I can’t imagine what it would be like to win this week, it would be out of this world.”
PAW NOTE: Know Class will be aiming to become the second New Zealand chaser to claim the world’s richest staying race, following Raurimu in 1984. New Zealand greyhounds have also claimed the 2013 Harrison-Dawson (Clone Your Own), and the 1974 Melbourne Cup (Kwik Metal).
Click here for a summary and replay of the RSN Sandown Cup heats.
Click here for your free form guides for Thursday night’s RSN Sandown Cup meeting
What would you choose – The Dog, The Money or The Box?
Visit www.superdogs.com.au to find out how you can win over $120,000 in cash and prizes at Sandown Park
