“Good dogs make good trainers and good owners are just as hard to find.”
Derek Knight landed his first Coronation Cup in eight years (Fatboyz Zorro) but typically took no credit from the front running exhibition that saw Shotgun Bullet (Kinloch Brae-Winning Impact, Oct 15) get home by eight lengths in 35.25 (-20) for the 575m.
Running from trap four, the black was completing a Romford five-timer and the veteran handler acknowledged the similar running style with the great kennel favourite Fivestar Clipper who won 29 times over the same course and distance during a brilliant career.
Knight said: “They are very similar in many ways, particularly in terms of early pace and how they run Romford. For some reason, a lot of my dogs take to the track and like Clipper, Bullet wasn’t pulling up trees until we switched him but he has really kicked on since.”
Bullet sees the return to greyhound ownership of John Ward, who, almost 20 years ago, along with partner Vinnie Jones, enjoyed great success with the ‘Smoking’ runners including ‘Barrel’, ‘Wardy’ and Derby finalist ‘Bullet’.
Ward is part of the Solid Money Syndicate – named after another former kennel star – and Bullet has already achieved one landmark that evaded Fiverstar Clipper – he has won a Romford Final.
Knight said “Shotgun Bullet came to me on the recommendation of Fraser Black who sources most of my dogs. To have John and the syndicate prepared to pay decent money for a decent dog has been very satisfying. The syndicate includes some horserace owners, including Jim Hay who seemed to have a really enjoyable evening and I just hope it progresses from here.
“Good owners are so hard to find these days. Training fast greyhounds to win big races is really just about common sense” said the ultimate in phlegmatic greyhound trainers.
Coronation Cup winner SHOTGUN BULLET with owners John Ward (left) and Dr. Jim Hay (holding trophy), Maria Ansbro and trainer Derek Knight. Photo: © Steve Nash
