Up-and-coming trainer Liam Sharp achieved a significant milestone when Aston Wonder gave him his first metropolitan win on Thursday night at Sandown Park.
She jumped from the inside box and mustered well to lead with a lap to go. A late challenge from Madam Chelsea was reason for panic but Aston Wonder was able to hold on and win by a nose-length.
The victory rewarded Sharp with his first ever win on a city track and celebrations were in order.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
“Just a completely different feeling – It just feels that much more special. I couldn’t stop looking at my phone because it was going crazy all night.”
In addition to becoming a gifted trainer, Sharp is an aspiring pilot who hopes to live out a multifaceted career.
“I’ve currently got my commercial pilot’s licence and have about six months left at university.”
“I’ve always wanted to be involved with the dogs but never to be a full-time trainer with a hundred dogs like Mum and Dad. Down the track I want to get a job at a big airline… but still train dogs. That’s the goal.”
Sharp and his many talents are a great example for young people who wish to be involved in greyhound racing while pursuing other interests.
This Sandown Park victory was just the beginning of a bright career.
“I just want to keep things ticking along and not look too far ahead. I would love to win one at The Meadows next.”
Later on in the night Sandown 2021 GOTY Aston Rupee broke 29 seconds for the fifth time in his career with a scorching 28.94 win in the night’s Free-For-All.
595m track-record holder Collinda Patty resumed from a five-month hiatus with a straightforward victory in race 11 for Jason Thompson.
Click here for full results.
Aston Wonder (1) wins by a nose-length for trainer Liam Sharp.
Aston Rupee (2) wins in a stunning 28.94.
