The word ‘marvel’ is often used to describe ageless star Bruce Tycoon, and there is no better way to describe him.
Tonight he’ll rack up start 122 and will aim to improve his amazing top 3 strike rate of 59%. His most recent win came last Friday night when he defeated a field where all but one greyhound had not been born when Bruce started racing. He’s sustained stellar form during his career, having not competed in a grade 5 event for 72 starts and mainly racing at metropolitan level.
“I’ve never seen a dog that’s managed to stay at this level for so long and be so consistent. For a dog that hasn’t raced in a grade 5 for almost living memory, he’s just a marvel,” said Rob Britton kennel representative Peter Riley.
Bruce comfortably qualifies for veteran events at 4½ years of age with almost three years of racing under his belt.
“He’s got a few little niggles. He’s like the older athletes, he usually takes an extra day to fully recover after a race.
“We take the dogs for walks up the bush just about every day. He probably gets an extra walk to make it a bit easier for him.”
In the lead up to a race Bruce is already putting on a show. Excited, leaping and jumping out of his skin to get the race underway.
“He’s been a lunatic from day one. He’s crazy when he’s at the track, he’s just a big puppy that really loves to race. On race day the dogs get weighed in the morning, and they know they’re going racing and are excited all day. In terms of being over the top excited, Bruce is one of the worst ones!”
Bruce’s race record, personality and will to win has naturally built a strong fan base. Although being strong, it doesn’t compare to kennel mate and good friend Fanta Bale.
“Him and Fanta share a yard, they get along quite well. They have a bit of play together then lay on the grass and take in the sun.
“They’re walking partners, go out together and are kenneled next to each other. They’re like an old married couple sometimes they’re just happy with each others company.”
Last Friday night Fanta Bale exceeded $1M in prize money. In the lead up there was great promotion surrounding her expected achievement though the pressure wasn’t wholly felt by the kennel.
“There was pressure and there wasn’t. We do what we can at home, put her in the boxes and just hope she pulls up well. Deep down there is that little bit of relief, but now she’s done it, it’s about how far she can go!”
Retirement has been a hot topic when discussing Fanta Bale’s success. However, the Britton camp have a plan mapped out aiming at future feature staying races.
“Rob has mapped out a racing program for her until late January. We’ll see what happens.”
Fanta Bale’s next assignment is a heat of the Summer Cup at Wentworth Park this Saturday night. Click here for fields
The Rob Britton kennel have 12 runners engaged in tonight’s meeting at Sandown Park. Bruce Tycoon features in race 8 which is set to jump at 9:35pm.
Click here for tonight’s fields and form
Click here for Jason Adams’ form preview
: Bruce Tycoon with handler Peter Riley and team Britton
