By BRIDGET SCOTT
Whilst one of Warragul’s sentimental favourites, Ronray Spirit didn’t get through to defend his 2015 Cup title, he put up a brave effort to finish 4th in the second heat behind Spring Missile.
Greyhound racing is in the blood of the Reid family who have a significant history in the industry prominent trainer Terry Reid has opened up on his experiences in the industry and what the dogs mean to him.
According to the Yuroke resident he was “born into dogs” with his father, Peter Reid, also a trainer and an inductee to the Greyhound Racing Victoria Hall of Fame. Brothers Tom, Mick and John also followed in the footsteps of their father, with John the treasurer of the Owners and Trainers Association.
The family’s association with the Warragul Greyhound Club dated back to when Terry’s father trained, raising his sons by the track.
Terry said he can remember helping with the dogs from about the age of 11, however the real fun started when he hit 20 years of age and began to train himself.
“Dad had dogs and we all went along – we were the workers,” he said.
“I then transitioned into training and branched out myself at about age 20.”
Terry claimed that his first good dog was ‘Glenda Marie’, a first grade bitch that brought him a lot of success.
However, one of his current dogs Ronray Spirit, has captured Terry’s attention for now.
After winning the Warragul Cup last year, the star dog went on to win the Group 2 Warrnambool Cup. The 2015 Warragul Cup later proved to be a vintage field.
Second placed dog Luca Neevelk later won the 2015 Australian Cup, while third placed dog Ride the Rails was a finalist in four group races last year.
Terry said Ronray Spirit had won five or six straight races when he first got him, as well as eight races out of 13 starts.
“He was flying when I got him and he kept improving,” the trainer said.
“He performed terrifically last year.”
Ronray Spirit was also a finalist in other notable races such as the Bendigo Cup and Ballarat Derby.
The trainer said he never considered taking on the hobby as a profession, admitting that as a professional trainer he would require too many dogs. Despite calling himself a hobby trainer, the groundskeeper said the dogs still consume a lot of his time.
Terry found it hard to pick a highlight from his career in the industry, declaring that he didn’t like to dwell on the past.
“I am always looking forward and never back,” he said.
“What has happened has happened.”
Although winning the Warragul Cup was cause for a huge smile on the dog owner’s behalf.
With the Warragul Cup now only two days away, trainers, owners and dog lovers alike are geared up for a big night at Logan Park. With free entry, the event won’t be short of entertainment with a live band sure to please the people at the family friendly affair.