Brownwyn Bates may be a fresh face on the state’s greyhound racing circuit, but there’s always one person she can count on at least.
The 20-year-old will pit her charge Valentine Meiyan against Mum Kim’s dog Valentine King in the Caldwell Electrical Stakes (375m) at this Thursday’s Grafton meeting.
Valentine Meiyan is the first dog for Bates junior, who only acquired her owner/trainer licence late in 2013 after helping Mum with handling duties for about four years.
The pair have enjoyed some friendly pre-race banter, although it’s nothing personal.
“There’s a bit of competitiveness in the house,” Bates, who is based at Eungai Creek on the Mid North Coast, said with a smile.
“I’ve been saying I will beat her and she’s been saying, ‘no you won’t’.
“She’s very supportive of me. It’s a team effort.”
Bates junior, who turned 20 in April, got involved with the sport alongside Mum after becoming interested in greyhounds.
She may have hit gold with Valentine Meiyan, who has built a decent record of three wins and three other placings from seven starts so far.
Bates said her charge’s debut win – secured at Wauchope in November last year – was a memorable moment.
“I was jumping up and down watching her,” she said.
“I was in tears and shouting and screaming – it was a great thrill.”
Bates has also studied acupuncture for dogs and horses.
“Greyhounds are so different to other dogs,” she said. “There’s something about them.
“I like everything about working with them. I don’t mind (things like) driving two and half hours to trial them.
“When you win races it’s the best, especially when you beat dogs that have won 10 or 12 races.”
Valentine Meiyan will head out from box five for the first time in Thursday’s race.
“I’ve trialled her from there and she’s gone fine, so fingers crossed,” Bates said.
“I would like to take her to Queensland tracks or the Unibet Gardens to see how she goes there.
“To win a Group race one day would be everything, but we’ll see how things go.
“It’s been a good year and hopefully things can get better.”
The race is the first of 10 on the card at Grafton.
Action starts at 4.12pm.
For fields and form, click here.
