The carnival may be over but spotlight is still on Sunshine State

By Pat McLeod

Thursday night’s Albion Park greyhound meeting may have been the Britton clan’s Queensland winter carnival curtain call, but a permanent encore is now a real possibility.

Tim Britton, the next generation of one of Australia’s most successful greyhound families, has confirmed that a full-time presence in the Sunshine State is gaining momentum.

Tim oversaw the family finale, seven runners at 'The Creek', which resulted in two second placings - to Fast Milkman, over 710 metres, and Wheel And Go over 600 metres.

He flies back to 'Britton HQ', at Lara, Victoria, on Friday.

His father, Robert Britton, returns to Queensland at the weekend to oversee the final withdrawal.

“I don't want to go home,” the 33-year-old Tim said. 

“I have been here with my girlfriend Martina (Kirillidis), who is training with me now.

“We have had a great time up here. Everyone has been great and helpful.

“It has definitely been one of the most enjoyable greyhound carnivals I've ever been to.”

Tim was joined by Robert Britton and his uncle Jeff Britton at certain stages of the carnival.

They rented a greyhound-ready property at Churchable, west of Ipswich, and had up to 18 greyhounds kennelled there across the seven-week carnival.

Although they did not take out either of the two Group 1 races at the pinnacle of the carnival the team achieved plenty of success.

“Overall, it has been a very good stay,” Tim said.

“100 per cent it was a successful campaign. We didn't win any of the really big races, but definitely successful.

“We had a few winners each week. All the dogs seem to like it up here. They are all really relaxed.”

Tim said a permanent Britton kennel in South East Queensland was now being discussed.

“We have certainly talked about doing something here. It would be nice to have a satellite operation,” he said.

“The money is as good or even better than back at home. We will definitely keep an option open as to coming here in some way.

“I would be happy to come up here every weekend and race.”

Tim said there was talk of other interstate trainers showing significant interest in a full-time operation in Queensland on the back of a bumper winter carnival which included the state’s first million-dollar greyhound race, the Group 1 Brisbane Cup over 520 metres.

“I have heard a lot of rumours about people at least looking to come up here,” he said.

“A lot of big trainers, good trainers. They are looking.

“I can't say that anybody has bought anything up here, but they are definitely looking.”

Tim said the prize money levels and the promise of 'The Q', the new three-track greyhound facility being built near Ipswich, were the big attractions.

But, he said there were other enticements.

“The weather is good, the racing is good and everyone is friendly here,” he said.

One of the highlights of Thursday night’s racing at Albion Park was a strong win by distance performer, John Dart’s Wendy Rocks over 710 metre race, in 41.86 seconds. 

Dart is rapt with the youngster.

“Her winter carnival campaign was really good,” Dart said.

“She is a young dog and I threw her in the deep end. I am really pleased with what she has done.

“She raced against better dogs, which is great experience and will now head towards the Nationals  in Sydney.

“She has the ability, she just has to learn to begin a little better.

“She has always shown that she has got something special, but she just has to find that next level now.”

Dart collected a double on the night with Commands Respect, for his wife Glenda, winning a fifth grade 520 metre event.

Another to impress on Thursday night was Tom Tzouvelis’ Jimmy Intention, in a best eight, 710 metre race.

The Fernando Bale - Jane's Intention distance chaser scored by a length against a class field at the juicy price of $21.

He also saluted at Albion Park over the same distance on Group 1 night (July 7) at $41.