Can Kenny create a Capelbourne Cup boilover?

By Pat McLeod

After 50-plus years as a trainer Allan Oshyer admits to ‘being tested’ by temperamental greyhound Kenny Dutton, who will contest the extremely popular Capelbourne Cup on Tuesday.

“He is a handful,” the 77-year-old said.

“I’ll be happy if he can get to fourth and I can be in the prize money because his form has not been great lately.

"He has levelled out and there are a lot of very good dogs in this race.”

Allan's less-than-glowing summation of Kenny Dutton is somewhat softened by the dog’s owner, and Allan’s wife of 55 years, Carol.

“Yes, he is an ordinary dog, but he does have ability,” Carol offers.

“He is a very hard chaser. Would run through a brick wall. And, at home, around the kennels, he is a great dog.”

Kenny Dutton undoubtedly does face a tough ask in this special feature on Melbourne Cup day with the field comprising dogs who have been nominated from those who have posted the fastest times at the Capalaba track since January 1 this year.

And, that’s an impressive list, led by the Tom Tzouvelis pairing of Rio Will Rock, who just two weeks ago lowered the Capalaba record to 19.17 seconds, and Simply Express, who won the Capalaba Cup on October 6.

However, Kenny Dutton does boast a 19.55 second personal best at the straight track and Allan recalls when the brindle chaser first ‘clicked’ for him several runs after he had purchased the dog.

“Initially I was having second thoughts about buying him, but then one day at Capalaba he just clicked and showed real speed,” Allan said.

“He has since paid his way. But, when he clicks, he has speed.”

Allan says he and Carol have been involved in greyhounds for 53 years, for the past 22 at their two-and-a-half-acre property at Boyland, in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Over the years they have bred and raced some very good dogs.

This is their first appearance in a Capelbourne Cup.

“He (Kenny Dutton) qualified for the race, so we thought ‘why not’,” Allan said.

“How will he go? Well, that’s up to him.”

Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club president George Clegg is expecting another bumper crowd for Tuesday’s non-TAB meeting.

“This has become one of our most popular race days and the Capelbourne Cup is a real feature highlight,” Clegg said.

“We have a bookie and tote facilities, so of course patrons can bet on our races as well as anything else.

“A lot of locals come to this race day. It is a really good atmosphere.

“Although our races aren’t TAB races the prize money is the same as a normal TAB meet. First-place prize money for the Capelbourne Cup is $5,005.”