Drill Sergeant won the $160,500 Group 1 TRFM Sale Cup (640m) on New Year’s Eve in a huge thrill for hobby trainer Shane Drummond.
Drummond, based in Heathcote, was having his first runner in a group final after 25 years in the sport, having stepped his greyhound up in distance for the series.
And despite Drill Sergeant being the fastest heat winner (36.60 seconds), he started at the elaborate odds of $13.20 in the final, leading from the outset and eventually staving off fast-finishing veteran Untapped and Home Brew in 36.65 seconds.
A few months earlier, Drummond approached owner Neil Young about potentially training Drill Sergeant after the greyhound’s career was at the crossroads following a handful of on-track indiscretions.
“I noticed that Drill Sergeant was getting to the line and was just pulling up, so I decided to call Neil and ask if I could have a go training him.”
“I’m so glad I made that call.”
“Neil did say I’d win a Group 1 with him, and he was right,” Drummond laughed.
Drummond gave an insight into how he has got the best out of Drill Sergeant, who is three-and-a-half years of age.
“He was racing with blinkers when I got him, but I took the right blinker off as it has allowed him to see dogs on his outside which seems to have helped him.”
“He is probably also just enjoying a change of scenery. I get up at 4am and walk the dogs before work. I find it helps keep them alert.”
Drummond’s days are long, training four greyhounds while also travelling to and from work each day running a small plastering business.
“It’s an early start with the dogs and by the time I get home from work, feed the greyhounds and check them over I’m not eating dinner until 7.30 at night.”
