Louise’s veteran a worthy runner for new feature

By Pat McLeod

Capalaba veteran On The Radar may not be on the same level as some of the elite chasers to have graced the boutique straight track, but he would be a worthy winner of Sunday’s inaugural Alec Waugh Classic Masters Final. 

Waugh, the father of Michelle Kline (trainer Brent Kline’s wife), was a well-known face at the popular track, helping out behind the scenes.

“Alec was the sort of person that every kennel needs, just a great support,” Capalaba track manager Erin Cameron said. 

“Michelle asked if we could have a race in his honour and we were rapt to.

"It will be an annual event on our calendar.”

On Sunday Louise Moulds’ On The Radar will have start number 62 in the Alec Waugh Classic Masters Final – 57 so far have been up the Capalaba straight.

“He is such an honest chaser,” Moulds said. 

“His fastest racing is no doubt behind him now, but he still gives 100 per cent. If he can get to the lead, he loves being on the bunny and is really hard to run down.

“There are so many worthy runners on Sunday and all deserve to be considered strong chances, but if Buddy (On The Radar’s kennel name) can be at his best he is a good each-way chance.”

Michelle Kline said her father loved going racing at Capalaba.

“Dad passed away a year ago and we thought a race at Capalaba in his name would be a great way to remember him,” Kline said.

“He was a great support to Brent and I, especially looking after the kennel when we were away. He also adopted two of our former racers. He loved them.”

Michelle said she expected a large family gathering for Sunday’s race.

They have named one of their current race dogs, Snowy Waugh, in his honour.

Moulds said 'Buddy' had ended up in her kennel after previous trainers Terry Priest and Brett Hastie had been forced to reduce their kennel because of health issues.

“Buddy actually won the Capelbourne Cup (run each year at Capalaba on Melbourne Cup day) in 2022 and his first win for me was on the Sunday before last year’s Capelbourne Cup,” Moulds said.

“His price for that first win was $81, the biggest price ever for a winner for me. He won another couple soon after that, but his racing has also been affected by my own health issues.

“At the moment he is racing really well and I am really happy with him. I have had him for about 14 months and he is the sort of dog that is great to have around the kennel, quiet, but just a really nice dog.

“Of course, he lets you know he is there if I take other dogs out for a gallop and leave him behind.”

Moulds said her dog’s draw on Sunday was not a plus.

“Buddy has drawn box one for this race and I don't really want him in box one. His racing pattern is sometimes going right when the lids fly and then he will drift towards the middle," Moulds said.

“In the first start he had for me I apologised to all the trainers before the race fearing that he would go right and affect the other runners. Fortunately he just went straight.”

Moulds said she had been training on and off for about 25 years and was enjoying it now more than ever.

The Deception Bay trainer has five dogs in work and loves her frequent visits to Capalaba.

“It is a great track, but its best feature is the people there,” Moulds says.

“They can’t do enough for you.”