Shirley Davidson’s philosophy when it comes to greyhound training is simple: “You’ve got to give them TLC.”
Tender loving care is the crucial ingredient for Shirley, and the results, particularly of late, are testimony that TLC truly works.
Last Friday at Richmond, Shirley had one of the bigger wins of her career – certainly in terms of paydays – when her dog Bad Boy Goodesy beat a strong field over the 618m to claim the Red Dog Bonus of $5,710. Five nights later and Shirley was again in the winner’s circle, this time producing Master Goodesy to also win at Richmond.
Not bad for an 84-year-old trainer.
“Oh it was a great night on Friday,” Shirley said. “I’ve only had him for a handful of starts while Jimmy (Vassallo his previous trainer) was suspended, and he’s had a fourth, a third, a second and a win in his last four runs.
“Jimmy’s getting his licence back though and Bad Boy Goodesy goes back to him after the weekend, so he’ll have one more run on Friday at Richmond for me.”
Shirley has six dogs in work at her Austral property: “And I’ve got quite a few oldies that have been good to me and I’ve kept them, and given them a good home.”
Shirley has been in the sport “for longer than I can remember.” Officially her licence began in 1974, but she admits to being in greyhound racing for some time before.
“When I was growing up my brother, Billy, he had dogs,” Shirley explained. “It’s in the blood. His son, also Billy, he had dogs and his son Max, he has got dogs.
“As I said it’s in the blood and once it’s in there, you don’t get it out.
”I love them. Just love them, and to me that’s the important thing. TLC counts with greyhounds. You’ve got to give them plenty of TLC.”
Shirley said most of the dogs she has these days, and many in the past, have been giveaways.
“I put it down to some people not having any patience. All my dogs that I have here now, are all giveaways.
“Again, TLC. The more affection you give them, the more TLC, the more they love it and the more they will perform for you.
”And it’s what keeps me going. I’m on my own here and they mean so much to me.”
Shirley has never had a motor vehicle drivers’ licence, and relies on lifts to tracks with friends and fellow trainers, often nominating her dogs for race meetings based around whether or not she can get a lift there.
“It can be a battle, but I have some good people helping me out. And I don’t nominate if I know I’ll struggle getting there.”
Naturally with such a lengthy career, there have been numerous good dogs, notably Shirl’s Girl and How’s It Going, and countless fond memories, but the standouts are simple.
“They are all good memories. I love my dogs and when I get a win or even a placing, I’m really happy.”
And there are no signs of giving it away just yet.
“My health is good. I only go to the doctor every six months, and I’m only on fluid tablets … no others,” she proudly said.
“I think the dogs help with it. You’ve got to keep active - an active mind and body. If you sit around doing nothing, it’s not good for you.
“I’ll go as long as I can. I’ll be 85 this year, but as long as I can get around and do my dogs, I’ll keep going.
I just love them.”
