Mothers-in-law sometimes get a bad rap but you will not find Lee Wylie complaining ahead of this Friday night’s Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup (520m).
Condong trainer Wylie has fastest heat qualifier Birkdale Beauty (pictured with connections) jumping from box eight in the $40,000-to-the-winner race, one of the biggest of the year in NSW.
The sprinter, who has a superb record at Lismore, has drawn “perfectly” in box eight for the final, the latest leg of the prestigious Thank Dog It’s Friday racing series.
Wylie’s mother-in-law Robyn McCalman picked that box in the post-heats draw, leaving the trainer, who has had plenty of notable greyhounds over the years but has found a Group win elusive, a happy man.
“I gave her a big kiss afterwards,” Wylie said.
“I’ve been in plenty of big races but the Group win has eluded me.
“I’m a super-competitive person – I love winning – and it would be great to win a Group race like this.”
Birkdale Beauty was a distant $37 shot for her heat but produced a superb 30.18 run to defeat a tough field.
Check out Birkdale Beauty's heat win here.
That win took her overall record to a solid 13 wins and 15 placings from 37 outings.
This would be a first Group win for Wylie but he has been involved in several finals, most recently with Birkdale Beauty in the Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup.
With eight wins at Lismore to her name and a favourable box draw, the sprinter could be tough to stop in the final.
“I wanted anything from five to eight,” Wylie, a familiar face at North Coast tracks, said. “There is a lot of pace inside her (but) she can keep out of trouble there.
“Lismore is the backyard for my dogs whereas it’s not easy for other dogs to come here unfamiliar and win.
“It’s an open race (but) I cannot ask for anymore from her.”
Part-time trainer Wylie, who has been training greyhounds for about 15 years and is also an owner and breeder, has an interesting background.
He works as a chef and is assisted with his greyhounds by assorted family members, including his three young children.
“It is a family affair,” the 46-year-old said. “I have great support from my family.
“My kids chip in helping after school and if they don’t have school in the morning, they are always asking if they can come to the races.
“Sometimes I wonder how we manage it all, but we love our animals and we love our racing.”
For fields, form and expert tips on this year’s Lismore Workers Club Cup, visit www.thedogs.com.au.
The Thank Dog It’s Friday racing series which showcases the best regional racing NSW has to offer in a primetime Friday night slot.
For more information on the series and the chance to win VIP tickets, click here.
Box draw for Lismore Workers Club Cup (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Love Kills ($6); 2. Bill’s Fantasy ($3.50) ; 3. Mal Rose Hi ($13); 4. Walk With Faith ($8); 5 Outa Tempo ($8); 6; Fusaichi Kahn ($8); 7. Yogi Blue ($6); 8. Birkdale Beauty ($4.50). Reserves: Dulcie Dee, Intensive Storm
