Greyhound racing has helped Brian Tame cope with tragedy and he could earn some deserved success at Goulburn today.
The stalwart western Sydney owner-trainer, who enjoyed previous success with the likes of Americano and American Flash, has promising newcomer Elusive Apache jumping from box two in the Goulburn Post 0-1 Wins (race eight, 440m).
Tame has been involved with greyhounds for more than four decades but contemplated quitting the sport when his beloved wife Diane passed away from motor neurone disease about two years ago.
With the support of daughter and fellow trainer Leanne Jordan - and the love for his greyhounds – Tame is happy to stay around the traps.
“I’m not sure I would have survived myself without my greyhounds,” he said.
"I do everything with them - win or lose. It’s been tough without Diane and I was going to get out of greyhounds after she died, but Leanne asked me what I would do without them. She was right.
“Greyhound racing has been my life for 40 years. I’ve met a lot of good people and had a lot of fun.
“I’m not ready to leave the sport just yet.”
This is a second start for Elusive Apache after his solid three-length win over the 400m at Richmond on October 31.
The well-bred son of notable sire Magic Sprite and dam Apache Kitten, a consistent middle distance and later stayer who won 10 of her 39 races, earlier trialled well at Richmond and is rated highly by Tame.
“He’s only about 80 per cent of his true ability yet, but I think he could be something special,” he said.
“Another Flash was a Group 1 greyhound and I rate Elusive Apache as highly as him.
“This is a good race for him. It will depend on who gets to the turn first, but if mine gets a clear start, they’ll have a job catching him.”
Tame could score another win with one of his other newcomers, Balistic Prince, jumping from box six in race nine (440m).
The son of Barcia Bale and Be Bossee makes his debut here having trialled solidly over the 400m at Richmond last month.
Paul and Pamela Braddon’s kennel has been flying recently and they could score another win with Layla Swift in the Goulburn GBOTA 1-3 Final (race six, 350m).
The impressive daughter of Swift Fancy and Taradearra (box four) has won her last three, including a strong 19.94 win at Goulburn last week.
Christine Oldfield’s greyhounds are usually dangerous wherever they race and newcomer Can’t Fool Me (race four, 350m) looks no exception.
The son of Magic Sprite and El Fooling won well over the 400m at Bulli last week in a decent 22.84 and has also trialled well at Dapto.
For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
