Owned by leviathan Mepunga East breeder Barry Smith, but bred by greyhound racing media identity George Farrugia, Mepunga Shine (Feb ’22 Shima Shine x Mepunga Molly) notched his eighth win from only 12 starts and his stakes spiralled to $140,510. He’s now three from six over 525m at The Meadows.
Nicholas Britton, 16 – who has just completed Year 10 at Cardinia International College and is a son of Anakie trainers Angela Langton and Jeff Britton – handled his second G1 winner for the year in Mepunga Shine.
He also handled G1 Sandown Cup winner Korda, who is an older half-brother of Mepunga Shine.
Post-race, an elated Nicholas told Racing.com: “He didn’t really show it (early pace) in his first couple of starts. But now he’s got the start right, he’s able to run those first splits… I’m stoked!
“Well, I’d still say the Sandown Cup (handling the winner, Korda) is better than this. They’ll (my parents) be over the moon… I’m still shaking.
“I was just praying… Down the back, I knew he’d take some catching. I’m very happy.”
Nicholas Britton and dad Jeff get ‘up close and personal’ with budding champ Mepunga Shine 📷 Clint Anderson
And when interviewed by GRV, Nicholas added: “At the moment, I’m going to work with the dogs, and I’ll see how far I get. I’m not interested in much else than greyhound racing.”
Nicholas, who was born with the proverbial lead-and-collar in his hands, is already well versed on the ups-and-downs of greyhound racing.
“You have your good days and it’s the best time of your life. You also have your bad times, but you just need to move on.”
Nicholas plays an active role at home with the family’s greyhounds.
“I usually work with the racing team of 40 greyhounds which involves letting them out of the kennels in the morning, putting them up our straight track, exercising them on the walking machine, feeding, and occasionally assisting with trialling duties.”
Nicholas obviously has a ‘soft spot’ for Mepunga Shine, who he says was “a bit shy early”.
WATCH: “Mepunga Shine roared away in the Silver Chief and won it.” MEPUNGA SHINE (B3) produces a sparkling victory in the G1 Silver Chief.
“He’s just a nice dog. He just rests on his bed, doesn’t bark, and has a relaxed temperament.”
His proud mum, Angela, says Nicholas is “a great role model for the younger generation in the sport”.
“He’s very humble and loves the dogs. He’s also extremely hands on and spends a lot of time with them.”
Two nights prior to Mepunga Shine’s ‘30 seconds of fame’, NSW flier Isle Of Rose provided her training caretakers ‘Team Greenough’ with their second Laurels victory. They also saluted with Fantastic Skye in 2015.
Isle Of Rose ($3.50) led from go to whoa defeating Granny Roses ($7.90) by 3.1L, with Desired Path ($35.00) a further 0.6L away in 29.55sec.
