By Pat McLeod
Veteran North Queensland greyhound trainer Rob Lound believes Tuesday night’s Townsville Young Guns Final will be a two-dog battle, with his chaser Lush Ice one of those ‘combatants’.
“I have no doubt this race comes down to two dogs - Lush Ice and Mick Hickmott’s dog Good Odds Rascal,” Lound predicts.
“I believe my dog has a very good chance in this race and yes it will be between those two.”
Last week’s round of heats has delivered a quality field for the Final. Justin Reid’s Red Car has come in for the exciting Rockhampton youngster More Peaches (trained by Michael Boody), who has been scratched.
Lound has won the Townsville Young Guns once before, in 2015 with Rocket’s Magic, and believes Lush Ice can deliver now, or in the future.
“I like certain qualities about this dog,” he said.
“He is a young dog who, nine times out of 10, will jump well. He definitely likes the shorts. I have put him over 498 metres where he recently came second.
“Looking into the future, I will put him back up to 498 metres and see how he goes.
“I believe this dog has got potential. I also believe he would be very comfortable racing in Brisbane - no dramas there at all.”
The 64-year-old Lound has been involved in the industry for more than 30 years and for much of that time a leading Townsville trainer.
A partner in the iconic Townsville family business, Lounds Fresh Seafood, Lound has battled ill health in recent years, suffering a stroke five years ago.
“Unfortunately these days I am in a wheelchair as a result of the strokes I had,” he explains.
“I have stayed in greyhounds because I love them and the sport. They are the reason I get up each day. They are everything.
“Health-wise, things have improved. Initially after the stroke I couldn't talk. At least now, although I am in a wheelchair, I can talk.
“I will always be either on a scooter or in a wheelchair, but everything else isn't too bad.
“I get some really great help from some really good people who have been able to keep me involved in greyhound racing.
“At the moment I have 14 dogs in work at my kennels (at Jensen, on the northern outskirts of Townsville). Before I became unwell I would have up to 20 dogs in work.