Being a good mate got Graham Thurkettle into greyhound training several years ago - and he's never looked back.
The Harden trainer has Mallee Man aiming for a fifth win in six starts in the Mellcat Cleaning Sprint (350m) at Goulburn on Tuesday.
Thurkettle was introduced to the sport after stepping in to help care for a holidaying mate's greyhounds.
The 70-year-old has had his ups and downs but doesn't regret getting involved with the racing game.
"It was a small country town," he said. "You looked after your mates if they needed a hand.
"I suppose I just like the competition.
"I still do a bit of yelling now when mine are racing.
"You do get attached to them."
Mallee Man has been a star recently, with his strong form all the more impressive considering his rough year.
He missed the first two months of 2014 after having a toe removed after a fall at Canberra late in 2013.
The sprinter has recorded nine of his 12 overall wins since returning and seems in peak form.
He will start from box one at Goulburn, from where he has won on two of his three previous outings.
"I think he can run on for years yet,” Thurkettle said.
"He gets a bit over-excited when I put him in the boxes but he is a good dog and I love him.
"Because he's had so much handling with his crook toe you can do anything with him.
"He is such an easy-going fellow but when you put him on the track he does his job."
A fencer by trade, hobby trainer Thurkettle has had time away from the sport due to work commitments.
He resumed trainingabout a decade ago after moving to his Central West property.
Mallee Man is Thurkettle's only greyhound currently in work but he is rearing other pups and is hoping to develop a few more good 'uns yet.
"If you get a pup from scratch and get them going, it's a pleasure," Thurkettle said.
"I just love all animals and greyhounds in particular. They are all different and have personalities.
"You just want to do your best by them."
Other notables going at Goulburn on Tuesday include Are Jai Queue in the fourth, Cool Onyx (race five) and Aqua Finch in race eight.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 2.34pm.
For Goulburn fields, form and expert tips, click here.
