Bob Glover may be celebrating his best-ever success as a trainer - but as far as he’s concerned, teamwork has proved the real winner.
Glover’s charge Lightest Touch claimed a stunning win in the $25,000-to-the-winner Group 3 Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden Final (515m) at The Gardens.
The triumph was a first Group victory as a trainer for racing stalwart Glover, a former soldier who has been invovled with greyhounds for about 40 years.
Glover, who has bred and reared previous Group greyhounds, said he was delighted the efforts of mates and owners Jean and Eddie Lewis had paid off.
“It’s been a long journey,” the 66-year-old said.
“It’s good for me but the dog is the one who has done it for us.
“It’s a great reward for the effort his owners have put in.
“We are together more than we apart (and) it’s good to see people get their rewards.
Starting last Friday's final from the outside, Lightest Touch hit the front just before the first corner.
He maintained complete control to seal victory in an impressive time of 29.75.
Glover said he was delighted with the effort of his charge, who has now won two of his first three starts.
“He was capable of a race like that,” Glover, who works out of the Mid North Coast town of Nabiac, said. “He knows the place back to front.
“We were confident he could run that time and possibly win.
“He’s a strong dog and can put in strong finishes.”
Lightest Touch now looks capable of repeating the superb career of father Where’s Pedro, who secured 15 wins from 22 starts.
It was a sweet victory for his trainer, a former soldier who combines his duties while working as vice-president of the Taree club.
Glover said he and the owners will now plot future races for the Group champion, who will first enjoy a well-deserved break.
“What’s next for him?” the trainer, who is ably assisted by wife Val, said. “At this stage I’m not sure.
“We’ll probably give him a rest for a few weeks now and work out his future.
“Can he go any better? We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
Zipping Jacob was second, with Bedlam Bridge third.
Check out a replay of the race here.
