Geoff Green celebrated his first city win on Thursday night with his own Spring Bomber.
Spring Bomber led from go-to-whoa but had to hold off a late charge from Hazelwood Flyer and Mepunga Debbie. Green was ecstatic post-race and proud of ‘Rani’s’ big win.
“He’s had two weeks off. He had a minor injury and this is his first run back. He had two really good runs here in recent Sundays, it’s fantastic to seem him do it on a Thursday night,” said Green.
“This is my first city winner, so I’m pretty lucky.”
Green has eight greyhounds at his Lethbridge property, four retired and four currently racing. He had a taste of the sport in his late teens but gave it away due to the demands of life at the time.
He went on to run his own business, a fishing and tackle shop for a decade before sourcing another job.
“I ran my own business for ten years, then worked in the city of Broadmeadows driving garbage trucks. When I gave that up I decided to get back in greyhounds, and here I am.”
Once retiring from work he turned to training greyhounds and has been doing so for five years.
“A friend of mine had greyhounds and she was coming out here (to Sandown). I asked if she needed a hand, she suggested I handle the dogs on the day and I said yes. So from then onwards I was back into the sport.
“Once you develop a love for the breed, it’s very hard to walk away from them.”
He recieved Spring Bomber off a friend who bred the litter. He has now won 10 races from his 53 career starts.
“He’s been a real good dog, he can run some quick times.”
Next Thursday’s racing from Sandown Park is highlighted by heats of the McKenna Memorial. A feature event over 595m which will attract Australia’s most popular mid-distance stars. The series is expected to by headlined by RSN Sandown Cup winner Tornado Tears.
Click here for last night’s results
