Select Selwood is bringing home the bacon on the track – which is unsurprising when you consider how he learned to race.
The promising sprinter goes for his fifth consecutive victory when he jumps from box two in the Ladbrokes Stakes (420m), race four at Tuesday’s Lismore meeting.
Initially a “problem dog” according to co-trainer Ray Gilmore, the pup seemed destined for a life away from the track after appearing unwilling to race.
In desperation, Gilmore and his trainer partner Judith Risk tied a slice of one of the greyhound’s favourite treats to the training lure – and he’s gone like a rocket ever since.
“All he wanted to do (as a pup) was eat,” Gilmore said. “He had to be reared on his own because he was so possessive of his food.
“He was a problem dog and wouldn’t run, but Judith loved him and was going to keep him as a pet.
“We put a bit of bacon on the lure one day – and he chased it brilliantly.
“That’s how we got him going.”
The chaser finished second on debut at Wauchope but has since won four from four, including a near ten-length victory at Lismore last month.
Gilmore (79) and his partner have continued the unusual training method – and it is working a treat.
“He ran the best time of the day in a trial with it,” Gilmore, who is based in Grafton and has been involved in the sport for more than half-a-century, said. “I thought there was something wrong with the clock, it was that quick.
“We gave him another trial at Lismore with the bacon and he went close to the track record.
“I’ve not had a greyhound like this - and we’ve had a few.”
The couple have already had discussions with top Victorian trainer Kelvyn Greenough about sending him south, but are keeping him in the Northern Rivers for now.
Select Selwood won last week at Lismore in an impressive 24.16.
This was just 0.06 off the 420m best time of classy Group-standard chaser Pace Ventura, who jumps from box two in the same race at Lismore on Tuesday.
“It’s a very good field,” Gilmore said. “We have got to hope he gets a clear run.
“If he jumps well (though), he will run the same quick first sectional he always does.
“The others had better watch out.”
Fittingly, race eight at Lismore on Tuesday also boasts a greyhound named Porky Teller.
Mincin’ Machine (race six) and race ten’s Farmhouse are ones to watch.
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
