Hughes claims his biggest win yet


Trainer Craig Hughes captured his first Thursday night win when Rainbow Ruby produced a career best performance.

Rainbow Ruby sprung out of box 8 and set a hot early tempo to lead clearly. She dismissed all doubts of her running out a strong 515m as she comfortably defeated Galaxy Star and Marlee Spring in a sharp 29.63.

“I thought she’d go well but not that well. Her run home time surprised me – it was a night for quick times,” said Hughes.

The win was Rainbow Ruby’s biggest yet and likewise for Hughes. He won a Laurels heat late last year with Brooklyn Skye however was yet to win a race on a Thursday night.

“It’s great to have that box ticked. I’ve waited a while for it and it’s a great feeling to have the monkey off the back.”

The win was reward for a lot of hard work put in by Hughes.

“I did all the work with her. Whelped, reared and broke her in. It’s very satisfying and rewarding to get the result we have. A lot of hard work is put in and for it all to come to fruition is fantastic.

“She was always a natural. All her litter mates went to be broken in except her – she did all the right things from the start.”

Hughes, a baker by trade, has been training greyhounds for six years though has been around them for most of his life.

“I purchased a greyhound when I was 19-years-old and have always been involved in horses and greyhounds since. My father trained greyhounds when he was a kid so they’ve always been around. I love the dogs.”

Click here for Thursday’s results

Cameraemoji2Rainbow Ruby and Craig Hughes and wife Wendy

Rainbow Ruby wins comfortably

Jason Adams
About Jason Adams - Racing Operations Coordinator at Sandown Park. Over 8 years involvement in greyhound racing and one of the sport's biggest and most passionate fans.
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