Wayne White is hoping to earn the biggest prize of his 45-year training career at Saturday's Wentworth Park meeting - and be the toast of his work colleagues too.
The Goulburn trainer has Cumberland Black jumping from box five in the $20,000-to-the-winner GBOTA Challenge Sprint Final (520m), part of one of the biggest nights of the year for NSW greyhound racing.
Cumberland Black is a live chance for his trainer, who combines his role with his job as a train driver.
White, who travels across large chunks of the state in his position, is based at the MOSS VALE depot in the NSW Southern Tablelands and will certainly be a popular winner.
“There’s a few blokes at work who follow the dogs," White said. "If they see Cumberland Black racing, they will back him.
“It will certainly come in handy if he can win.
"I think I'll be a little nervous on Saturday night, but I'm looking forward to it."
A veteran of more than 80 races who turns five in December, Cumberland Black is currently in career-best form.
The son of Bit Chili and Dee Riddler has won once and placed five times in his last seven starts, including an impressive 29.71 win last start over the 515m at Gosford.
Click here to watch Cumberland Black's last start win.
The greyhound only came to White's kennels about two months ago but they have made an effective partnership.
“Maybe it’s the Goulburn air,” White said with a grin. “It’s so cold here sometimes, you’ve got to keep moving.
“He has a lovely nature and just settled in with our other greyhounds straight away."
Southern Tableland representatives have three chances in the race, with Grabben Gullen's Bruce Peck qualifying with Fear the Speed and Cosmic Phantom.
White started training in 1970 and receives “great" support from family and friends including wife Julie and son Jake, an aspiring professional trainer himself.
“I love greyhounds,” White, who turns 58 on Tuesday, said.
“Some People see them with their muzzles on and think they are savage creatures, but they are the most beautiful and good-natured animals.
“It’s been a huge effort from everyone involved with me to get a greyhound to the final. Hopefully we’ll be celebrating on Saturday night.”
This year’s Group 3 Nowra Summer Puppy Classic winner Fantastic Spiral (box six), who has 13 wins from 22 races, will likely start the race favourite.
Shilling Flex (box two) looks handily drawn and is a threat.
This race is part of a superb night of racing at Wentworth Park which includes the final of the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
