As Whitford details, an Achilles tear is not a common injury for a greyhound and it is usually one that can spell the end of their racing days.
“We are grateful for the Thompson family because we would never have King back racing the way he is right now if it was not for them,” she said.
Following surgery in Victoria, the Listed Carnival Chase winner and finalist in the Group 1 Gold Bullion worked his way back to full fitness on the walking machine and with physiotherapy for three months.
Ninetymile King, who has won half of his career races, won brilliantly first-up at Capalaba in the middle of October before making it two from four in last Thursday’s Flame heats at Albion Park.
“He is very special to us,” Whitford said.
“When he did come down with his injury and if it was to be the end of his career, that would have been fine as he would have had a place on our couch for the rest of his days.
“To get him back is a bonus and we are enjoying every minute of it. We are going to look after him.”
While it is Whitford’s name in the race book, it is all hands-on deck at Ninetymile Kennels on their five-acre property at Coominya.
“It is a team operation here, Bianca spearheads the three of us – her uncle Graham and myself – and we like to support her,” Johnson said.
“We have got a few of our own coming through, it is exciting. We are proud of the team is going at the moment.”
Ninetymile King booked his spot in the Final, running home in 30.10 seconds in the heat, and will jump from box three on Thursday night, a draw which is favourable, according to the trainer.
While Whitford notes her kennel star is not back to his complete best yet, he is still building and might just get there on the big stage come the $37,500 Final, with the winner going through to the inaugural running of the $1.145 million TAB Phoenix in Victoria.
Johnson branded Ninetymile King’s performance in the heats as “enormous”, declaring he just does not know when to give up, which should bode well come the Final against a classy group of dogs.
Racing Queensland earlier this year announced the Flame (520m) would be run on the first major night of the TAB Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival at Albion Park on December 2, offering $37,500 in its own right and a berth in the new million-dollar feature to the winner.
RQ was announced as one of eight slot holders in the million-dollar Victorian greyhound feature, which will be staged at The Meadows on December 18 and includes $750,000 to the winner.
“It is a really good initiative, the lure of the prize money is fantastic for greyhound racing,” Whitford said.
“The concept is completely different to what we are used to.
“For Racing Queensland to buy a slot and give us a chance to compete in it, that is fantastic.
“It would be a fantastic honour if we were able to go down to Victoria and represent Queensland.”
The final field for TAB The Phoenix will be confirmed on Friday, December 10 before the box draw is held on Sunday, December 12.