Veteran trainer dreams of Col Harris Gold Sovereign series spoils

By Jordan Gerrans

A stalwart of the greyhound industry for over half a century, Marion Goodwin has long dreamed of winning the Col Harris Gold Sovereign series since it was first introduced.

The Loganlea-based kennel heads towards the heats of the popular series this Saturday with two strong chances – litter sisters Underwater and Romantic Verses.
A popular member of the greyhound industry, Harris passed away in late 2008 and was referred to as "Mr Everything" of dogs racing during his life.

As well as being a breeder, owner, trainer and club president at Capalaba, Harris was also the publisher of the Queensland Greyhound Form Guide.

Goodwin, who has seven dogs in work at her kennel, thinks her two impressive up-and-coming stayers will be competitive in Saturday’s heats with an eye to the upcoming Final.

“It is a race I have always wanted to win,” Goodwin said.

“Many years ago I had a staying dog qualify but he got wiped out in the final.

“I know all the people that promote the race, I knew Col Harris for many, many years, I know all the Harris’ – they are wonderful people.

“I have known them since I was a teenager.

“It is something that I have always wanted to take out, the Col Harris Gold Sovereign series, it would be a dream come true if I could take it out.”

The Gold Sovereign series is for greyhounds with between zero and four wins and is run over the Ipswich middle distance of 630 metres.

Goodwin, who runs a tarp business away from her greyhound training, hopes to eventually get her pair of stayers up over 710 metres at Albion Park in Cup races into 2022.

The sisters have shared in eight victories in the early stages of their careers, four each, with Underwater recording that level at three less starts than Romantic Verses.

Marion was first introduced to greyhounds by future husband Ron, a trainer himself, when she was a teenager and has been in the industry since.

Ron has recently been moved into a nursing home with Marion taking on the kennel herself these days.

She is supported by son Laurie, who handles and is adored by all the dogs, Marion says, as well as Kyle Juracic, who owns both of the Col Harris Gold Sovereign series hopefuls.

“I think both girls are a good chance, they are both handy little girls,” Goodwin said.

“They do love Ipswich; they have never disappointed me there before.

“I have to be with my dogs, that is my life, I love going to the kennels with my dogs."

Juracic, who Marion describes as an excellent owner, approached the veteran trainer about taking on the two bitches when they were around 12 months old and having already been broken in.

“At that stage, I never had girls in my kennel, I have always only ever had boys,” Goodwin recalled.

“I have not looked back since and Kyle has always been happy with the way they have performed.

“They have been marvellous for me.

“I would not have had a girl in the kennel for two years before this – I made the change to have bitches and dogs.”

The two bitches have a unique rivalry, Goodwin says.

“Romantic Verses always used to beat her sister, Underwater, every time, no matter what trial I gave them, she always beat her sister,” she said.

“They have just flown since see we started them.

“Underwater is a better stayer than her sister but two-out, she still can’t beat Romantic Verses.

“They are both lovely, good girls.”

Three heats of the Col Harris Gold Sovereign series will be run from Ipswich on Saturday evening.