Doreen Drynan may have achieved her dream of Group 1 success but don’t expect her to be taking things easy at this Friday’s Group 1 Sportingbet Megastar (520m).
The former solder-turned-trainer has Chica Destacada (pictured), the winner of the recent National Sprint Championship, going from box two in the $75,000-to-the-winner race at Dapto.
Last month’s victory in Perth was a first Group 1 triumph in more than 40 years of training for the western Sydney-based trainer who was born in England and served in the British Army in the late 1950s and early 60s.
Drynan is still on a high from her WA triumph but there hasn’t been much opportunity to relax and enjoy it.
“It was very exciting,” the 76-year-old said. “I didn’t think I would win a Group 1 after all these years.
“I don’t think the appetite to get another Group 1 leaves you. It’s the same as all the guys who’ve won a few of them.
“Since we won it’s just been business as usual.”
Drynan opted to rest Chica Destacada since the run in Perth, which was her 11th win in 26 starts.
Known for her lightning-fast starts, Chica Destacada has not raced previously at the Dapto track, although she had what Drynan termed a “disappointing” 30.18 520m trial in soggy conditions there last Friday.
Drynan conceded it would be a tough race and pinpointed Shoulders, who will start from box one, as a real threat.
“He is a very good dog and if he starts well, it will be tough to catch him,” she said.
“I think Dapto is more of a leader’s track than anywhere else. I don’t think there’s many dogs that can come from behind and win there.
“It’s all in the start. If you are behind these high-calibre greyhounds, you can’t overhaul them.”
Friday’s top-quality field also contains the likes of gun Queenslander Flash Reality (box four) and the formidable Zipping Willow (box seven), who is chasing a remarkable 29th win in 41 starts.
Whatever the outcome, Llandilo-based Drynan said it wouldn’t affect her passion for the sport.
“I really just love the dogs,” she said.
“We rear and breed most of our dogs so it’s an even bigger bonus when they do well.
“I try not to get too nervous as I think it maybe translates to the dogs. It’s after the race when I show my emotions.”
The race is the latest part of Greyhound Racing NSW’s exciting Thank Dog It’s Friday series, which aims to showcase the best Friday night racing at regional tracks across the state over the coming months.
For more details on the series, click here.
For Dapto Thursday fieldfs, form and expert tips, click here.
