Lucky Lance recorded his first Victorian city win last night at Sandown Park for trainer and part-owner Gavin Kearns.
‘Lance’ defeated hot prospect Rebellious comfortably in the night’s Grade 5 final and continues to justify the decision by connections to purchase him.
“A mate of mine in Queensland, Robert Ayres, noticed him and we were looking to buy a dog. So we purchased him off Andy Lord and he’s been wonderful for us. I half own him with Robert and his family,” said Kearns.
He was bought after just one start at Temora in New South Wales in March. Ayres took training duties in Queensland and they quickly saw success.
He won six of his next 15 starts which included the Listed Chief Havoc Cup at Gunnedah in June.
“There weren’t too many races to target so he came down here for the Maturity in July. Unfortunately we had to scratch as he was ill.
Since then he’s had four starts and won his past two at Sandown Park.
“We got him back to the track and here we are today.”
Lucky Lance is one of just three racing greyhounds at Kearns’ Churchill property. He’s been connected to the sport his whole life though has been on and off when it comes to training due to work.
“I’ve been training on and off for 30 years. It’s getting hard for me, it’s getting tough to trial at times outside of working hours.”
“I work at the Yallourn Power Station looking after all of the conveyor systems, and have done that for 20-odd years now.”
He was introduced to the sport at a young age which planted the seeds for lifelong involvement.
“My dad had a few dogs when I was growing up and we used to walk them. He got out of it for a little bit then one of my mates bred a litter. He asked me if I wanted some of them, I got back involved and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Click here for yesterday’s results
