Hard-working owner-trainer Adam Wallace has served his time as the apprentice – now he’s ready to become a master.
The 39-year-old, who has impressive newcomer Parisian Magic going in the Greyhound Recorder Sprint (350m) at Goulburn on Tuesday, owned greyhounds for several years and worked with top trainers including Sam Sultana and Darren McDonald.
He had been an occasional trainer in the past but recently decided it was time to take a more hands-on approach with his greyhounds.
It can be a tough life combining his role with a job working out of western Sydney, but when greyhound racing means so much to you it’s not such a bad life.
“It’s a lot of work but I enjoy it,” Wallace said.
“I love working with the animals. They are so beautiful and good-natured.
“It would be tough doing this if I worked 9-5pm, but now I have flexible working hours so it’s good.
“It’s good fun – and it keeps me out of the pub.”
Parisian Magic certainly looks like a handy performer for Wallace, who works out of the western Sydney suburb of Werrington.
She has won three out of her four races so far and is already nudging sub-20 seconds over the distance.
“She must be one of the quickest early dogs in the state,” the 39-year-old said. “She has done first sectionals that are unheard of.
“There’s a slight doubt about whether she could run 500m but I’d like to think she can.
“I will probably look for a suitable race over the 500m for her at Wentworth Park before Christmas.”
Wallace combines training with his job compiling form for the Giddy-Up Ratings service.
He has four greyhounds currently racing but has other pups being whelped and is hoping to become more active in the sport.
“I like having fun with the dogs and meeting other people,” he said.
“A lot of my friends are involved in the sport so we help each other out. There’s a bit of friendly competition as well – I give them a ribbing when I get a win.
“I love it.”
Other notables racing at Goulburn include Monster Storm (race nine), who has a superb record at the track.
Lewis Galea’s formidable sprinter has won six times previously at Goulburn and has her last four outings overall.
Little Miss Lava (race six) and Unleash Hell (race seven) also look tough to stop.
Ten races are on the card at Goulburn and action starts at 2.34pm.
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