As birthday bonuses go, a $20,000 windfall and scoring a dream victory certainly beats aftershave for Goulburn’s Wayne White.
Hobby trainer White’s greyhound Cumberland Black scored a super victory in the GBOTA Challenge Sprint Series Final (520m) at Wentworth Park.
The veteran sprinter claimed the biggest win of his 80-plus race career, taking out the $20,000 top prize on Saturday night in thrilling fashion.
It was also a biggest win yet for White (pictured with connections, far left), who has been involved in greyhound racing since 1970 and turns 58 tomorrow (Tuesday).
“I almost lost my voice cheering him home,” White said after the race with a huge grin. “It was awesome.
“OVER the 40 years we’ve had handy greyhounds who won $2000 races at Dapto, but this is something else.
“That’s why I think I had a tear in my eye (at the finish). It’s a dream come true.”
Cumberland Black had to fight all the way to win Saturday night’s race, seeing off rival Shilling Flex by just a length to triumph.
Click here to watch a replay of the race.
The much-travelled $9.40 shot is four-and-a-half and has only been mentored by White for a couple of months.
“I’m so pleased for him,” White, who combines training with his job as a train driver, said. “He is the loveliest dog you could find.
“He was giving two years on some of those greyhounds out there and yet he was still strong enough to win.
“It just shows that if you look after your greyhounds, they can get wins for you whatever their age.”
The win took Cumberland’s OVERall record to 16 wins and 31 minor placings from 84 starts.
Cumberland Black’s victory was all the more surprising considering his unusual transport arrangements for the big race.
“Normally we have a station wagon and trailer, but they weren’t available tonight,” White said. “I had to use my sister’s little Hyundai to drive Cumberland Black here.
“He didn’t seem to mind. He just laid down on the back seat and slept the whole way.
“Maybe it’s our lucky car now!”
White thanked Cumberland Black’s owners – a syndicate of Parramatta Eels fans – and his doting wife Julie and son Jake for their support.
“My wife loves Cumberland Black to bits,” he said. “He is the most beautiful-natured greyhound.
“I couldn’t have done this without them. This is fantastic for our family.”
