It is a wonder Judith Fisher has any hair left thanks to Revved Up Rita – but the pair have put their frustrations well and truly behind them now.
The fast-improving sprinter goes for her fifth win in six outings in second of three Goulburn to Bulli Sprint Series (457m) heats at Tuesday’s latest Goulburn Greyhound Racing Club meeting.
Revved Up Rita endured a tough start to her career, with the livewire bitch performing inconsistently over her first 15 starts.
Perseverance has paid off for Fisher, although she admitted it had been a tough ride.
“There were a few times when I thought, ‘oh bugger, she’s doing my head in’,” the trainer said.
“We knew she had ability, but she was highly excitable. If she was in race nine or ten then she would have nothing left in the tank by race time.
“It’s satisfying when you try every trick in the book that you can with them – and eventually it works.”
Revved Up Rita starts from box six and will be aiming to improve a disappointing record so far at Goulburn.
She has failed to win in five previous visits to the track and faces a tough field including Aqua Finch, who starts from box five.
“She was just wary of getting smashed by bigger dogs before,” Fisher said.
“She is just pushing through better than before now. She’s learned that if she gets out in front, they can’t knock her out of the way.
“She has won a 472m at Bulli, so she can cope with the longer distance.
“I didn’t think she would run a strong 500m, but she is getting stronger.”
Fisher, who is based in South Nowra, has been training for more than 30 years and works alongside husband Ron.
“I was born and bred in the country, so I love animals,” she said.
“I had a brother and sister to play with, but they got a bit boring after a while, so then I played with the animals.”
The 63-year-old said she was still passionate about the sport and loves nothing better than cheering her greyhounds home.
“I’m not one of those people who can stand behind the box quietly,” Fisher said. “I ride them home.
“I can’t help it – I guess it is the adrenalin rush.
“When the fruits of your labour come home, it’s a buzz.”
Other notables going at Goulburn include nippy Little Miss Lava (race 3), who has won three of her last four starts.
Bringelly’s Mark Wilcox’s dogs have been flying recently and he has a couple going at Goulburn, with Buster Shiraz a decent chance in race seven.
Ten races are on the card at Goulburn and action starts at 2.11pm.
For Goulburn fields, form and expert tips, click here.
