Tahlia Lummas-Whybrow, 18, (pictured) is going places in greyhound racing.

Last week, Tahlia was a joint recipient of ‘Junior Encouragement’ honours at the National Coursing Association of Victoria’s annual awards night at Sandown Park.

“It was a great feeling to be acknowledged,” said Tahlia, who recently completed her VCE at Wangaratta High School.

A highlight for Tahlia was receiving a ‘call up’ to handle coursing stars Sambar Chief and St. Marys Panda which are raced by her parents, Nicole and Jason.

“Mum had knee issues and it was a sense of pride handling these dogs,” Tahlia said. “It was definitely a good experience as we’ve raised them from puppies.

“She’s been my little sidekick… We call ourselves the
‘Travelling Wilburys’.”

“But you need to have a strong grip on St. Marys Panda… I’ll definitely be back for this year’s coursing season.”

Tahlia helps with the race team where necessary but says her main job is “looking after the home dogs” – brood matron So Say (aka “Val”) and pet greyhound “Ruby”.

“She’s been my little sidekick… We call ourselves the ‘Travelling Wilburys’,” said proud mum, Nicole.

“Tahlia’s part of the team – from doing little things in the house to walking the dogs. She’s very hands-on and has a good rapport with the dogs.

“And she’s pretty keen for the coursing season to start again.”

Tahlia handled Coursing GOTY Sambar Chief after mum, Nicole, sustained a serious knee injury.

After completing Year 12, Tahlia enjoyed a short stint driving tractors on a cherry farm. She has also been a basketball referee since she was 13.

NCAV joint secretary Melanie Lithgow heaped high praise on Tahlia when presenting the award.

“Tahlia really got to enjoy the feeling of winning this year after her mother, Nicole, went down with a serious knee injury and she was forced to be the number one handler for their team.

“She had the pleasure of handling Greyhound of the Year Sambar Chief and Oaks winner St. Marys Panda.

“Tahlia was busy all day and never given a chance to rest, as she was not only handling her family’s dogs but catching and taking dogs back to the cars of other trainers.”