Destroyer dazzles for determined training duo


Destroyer continued his recent run of good form on Thursday night for up and coming training duo Gavin Clifton and David McKenzie.

Destroyer began on terms then bustled his way through the pack. He then engaged in a duel with Drafted for the remainder of the race, narrowly edging him out to win by a length in 34.58.

Co-trainer David McKenzie was thrilled post race and revealed intentions of eventually testing Destroyer as a stayer.

“That win was his best run yet. He’s run home in 10.78 so we think he’ll probably handle a further trip, but for now we’ll stick with 595m for him.”

Destroyer or Roger as he’s known at home, took 13 starts to break his maiden status but has since won three of his last four outings.

“During pre-training it took him a while to hit his straps but now he’s maturing beautifully.

“We got him off his owner Neil Young who bred (in partnership with Donna Craig) Princess Pout. Neil did a terrific job with the dog before we got him, he does a good job with all his pups.

“Once he came back from the breaker he had a break for 10 weeks. So far he’s been super for us, we’re really happy with him.”

Destroyer is one of a team of eight greyhounds trained by McKenzie and Clifton in Tynong. As well as training greyhounds the pair work long hours, McKenzie as a fruit grower and Clifton a radiologist at Dandenong Hospital.

“We’re pretty excited about the group we have. We take it seriously and give every dog every possible chance of producing their best.

“Gav gets out of bed at 5:15am and is at my place by 6am every morning. We look after all the dogs then we head off to work and take the kids school. We’re always under the pump but we do it because we love it.”

The pair show great confidence in the industry and have strong intentions to one day train greyhounds full time.

“Our end goal is to train greyhounds full time. How quick that comes around we’ll wait and see.”

Click here for Thursday’s results

Destroyer proves too good on Thursday night
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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