He is the man of the moment on the NSW Northern Rivers greyhound racing circuit – and Pat Lavis looks the one to watch again at Lismore on Tuesday.
The Tregeagle owner-trainer (pictured far left, courtesy Callan Vanderstok) enjoyed the greatest night of his 40-year career at last week’s Lismore meeting, scoring a remarkable five wins.
Three of those winners – Mincin’ Machine, Sake Rocks and Warrali Brave – appear at the track again on Tuesday night in races six, eight and 10 respectively.
The latter two look great chances to salute again – and leave Lavis celebrating once again.
“They must have heard me shouting from Sydney (last week),” the 62-year-old said. “I was nearly on the grandstand roof shouting.
“I don’t bet but a few people told me they were on them all.
“I’ve an old mate who is 86 and in hospital. He just puts a dollar on my dogs each way.
“This certainly gave him a kick.”
Warrali Brave, who was a $23.30 shot and initially a reserve, kicked off Lavis’s magical night with success in the opening race.
Ivan’s Mate ($11), $2.80 favourite Sake Rocks, $4 hopeful Mincin’ Machine and Stonebrook – another distant chance at $12.20 – all saluted as well.
Lavis credited the success to a mate’s new kibble feed, which has left his greyhounds “looking like show dogs”.
“He came to me a few weeks ago and said, ‘Try this for me’,” Lavis said. “He makes it somewhere out west and uses his own recipe.
“Since they’ve started on it, my dogs have improved out of sight. Performance trials, racing – everything.
“Their coats are gleaming - they look so happy.”
Mincin’ Machine and Sake Rocks both look drawn well in boxes seven and one respectively on Tuesday.
Lavis, who combines training with his job as a farm worker close to Byron Bay, was also due some good luck.
He badly injured his hand in an angle grinder accident earlier this year, while his wife has also been battling ill health.
“This gave her a real kick,” he said.
“I’ve got a great team around me. I have a helper, Lyn Williams, who is brilliant.
“She was out cleaning a kennel at 1am the other night. You don’t get many like that.”
Lavis also said his team’s devotion to his greyhounds had helped his success.
“Greyhounds are part of our lives,” he said.
“We eat our breakfast and dinner with them. We even watch TV with them.
“You can’t swab love and affection.”
In other action at Lismore, Lachie Lyndan and Faulkner look strong chances in races two and three respectively.
Stella Nights in race seven and Storm Maiden (race nine) look great chances to salute as well.
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
