It has been a memorable period sporting-wise for Stephen Casey and his family and things might get even better at Tuesday’s Lismore meeting.
The Northern Rivers trainer has Country Charm aiming for a fourth straight win when she goes from box two in the Ballina Curtains and Blinds Sprint Series Final (420m).
Casey’s son DEAN, who also assists with the family’s greyhounds, has helped his Casino RSM Cobras side capture this season’s Football Far North Coast Men’s First Division minor premiership.
With his greyhound going great guns as well, Casey is hopeful of securing another success at the Colemans Point track.
“She’s got a bit more experience and is racing really well now,” Casey senior said.
“If she can get away well at the start she will win it.”
Country Charm’s recent good form has helped her compile a solid record of nine wins from 19 starts so far.
She goes in as the second fastest behind Elusive Strike (box six), who is dangerous at this level.
Canny local Patrick Lavis also has two handy performers, Sir Yorklea and Delroy’s Image, going from boxes five and seven respectively.
“Any greyhounds of Patrick Lavis will know the Lismore track,” Casey said. “If you can beat them then you are doing something right.
“She’s going well (so) we might step her up in distance soon.
“This is a good field (but) I think she’ll be facing better greyhounds soon.”
The 53-year-old and his wife Debbie have been involved with greyhounds for most of their lives through family.
They currently have about a dozen greyhounds in their kennels and combine training, breeding and rearing duties with running their 2,000-acre property at Doubtful Creek.
“It’s a team effort,” Casey senior said. “I couldn’t do it without them.
“I love the dogs and (the sport) gets me away from farming.
“It does get frustrating but when you get a few winners, it brightens you up, especially when you see the young ones you have bred and reared win.
“That makes it all worthwhile.”
Ten races are on the card at Lismore and action starts at 6.44pm.
For Lismore fields, form and expert tips, click here.
