By Renee Mok
Josh began training less than three years ago and his greyhound Roger Express (Premier Fantasy – Serena To Excel) achieved a career highlight for himself and his trainer when narrowly taking out the $12,000 to-the-winner VicGreys Grade 5 Final (600m) at The Meadows on 11 January paying $16.50.
He was the most experienced greyhound in the race, with the victory taking his record to 12 wins from 76 starts, including three victories from his past five races.
“It was a massive thrill. He got a bit jumbled up at the start but managed to get through on the rails,” a delighted Moody told RSN’s Off The Leash.
Training two greyhounds in suburbia has its challenges, but Josh says he has a lot of support from his ‘mumma’, who prepares his greyhounds’ meals, as well as a network of friends. Since he doesn’t have acreage, he has found places nearby to exercise his dogs including Altona Beach.
“Our day starts at about 5am. Roger wakes up with a bit of a bark to say he’s good to go for the day, so we’ll take him down to the Altona Dog Beach in the back of the wagon, give him a quick stroll through the water, relax his muscles a bit, and go home for breakfast after that,” Josh explained.
In addition to walks on the beach, Josh has his greyhounds ‘checked’ straight after their races by a muscle man in the western suburbs and if he’s sore he takes him for massages at Perfect Pulse Performance, a company that works with thoroughbreds, to help him recover as quickly as possible.
Roger Express has now earned more than $50,000 in prize money after being purchased by Moody as a pup for just $500.
Josh refused to attribute Roger Express’ recent spike in form to a purple patch, insisting he has been a model of consistency throughout his career.
“He is consistent and honest as they come,” Josh said. “He has run second to (Melbourne Cup winner) My Redeemer and ran third to (Maturity Classic winner) Dyna Patty four starts back, so we’re really proud of him. He is part of the family, is loved by many and is my best mate.”
Once upon a time there were hundreds of greyhound trainers based in the suburbs of Melbourne until the convenience of galloping on acreage became the norm, however Josh is proving that training from a house block is still a viable option.
When asked if he had any advice to offer prospective metropolitan trainers, he said “You get (out) what you put in. So, put time in your dogs and you’ll see results. Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice in the industry, be consistent and the results will show.”
