Images: Louise Partland
By Jordan Gerrans
Townsville trainer Justin Reid has invested serious time and effort into his greyhound operation over the last year and he is starting to reap the rewards.
The Jensen-based trainer is set to have his maiden starter in the time-honoured Townsville Cup on Friday evening with smart heat winner Young Rob.
The Reid name has been around the sport in North Queensland for decades, with Justin’s father Bob showing him the ropes when he was a young fella and still training to this day.
He is happy to admit that his kennel has gone through a dryish spell in recent times but things are now looking up for Reid.
He has invested in new kennels at his Jensen property and a number of younger pup’s are starting to come through the ranks and be competitive.
A semi-retired cabinet maker, Reid runs a 100 head of cattle at his property, as well as training nine greyhounds and a few pup’s from the same facility.
Through his work commitments, Reid has been involved in the greyhound industry on and off throughout his life, but was introduced to it at a young age through his father.
Bob still gives him a few pointers and guidance here or there, including with Cup hopeful Young Rob, who Justin says his father has been instrumental with.
He has been building up his kennel amenities over the last 12 months and the results have started to flow recently, preparing three winners since August 24, as well as a number of minor placings.
“The dogs have been getting settled in well to their new kennels that we have recently moved into,” Reid said.
Through this investment, he has been able to build up his numbers at race meetings, regularly starting a handful of chasers across programs.
One of those recently victories was Young Rob’s triumph in last Friday’s heat of the Group 3 Townsville, where the black dog completed the 498 metre circuit at the Townsville Showgrounds in 28.83 seconds.
From box three, Young Rob was able to finish over the top of race favourite Paulie Walnuts – who is trained by leading Townsville dog man Brad Belford - by more than two lengths in the heat.
“I was happy with where he ended up early in the race and I was confident he could run Paulie Walnuts down,” Reid said.
“I thought we could get Paulie Walnuts on the line going by the dog’s last few runs.
“Young Rob was very unlucky in the Townsville Wildcard race, as well.
“He got carted wide on the home turn and could not get around quick enough.”
From a Cosmic Chief and Izumi litter, Young Rob has only been in the care of Reid, and owned by Christopher Scifleet, since the start of last month after previously racing under the guidance of veteran Townsville trainer Robert Lound.
Since transferring kennels, Young Rob has not finished worse than fourth in four attempts, including two victories, which came at his last two starts.