Prizemoney not the only attraction in North Queensland Cup

By Pat McLeod

The lucrative prizemoney isn’t the only attraction for Tony Parker and his kennel king Showtime Isaac in Tuesday night’s North Queensland Cup at the Townsville Showgrounds.

Despite being in sizzling form, the Fernando Bale and Flash Magic chaser must overcome a class field from box three in the locals-only, $16,000-to-the-winner feature.

As Parker points out, both the kennel and Showtime Isaac have collected plenty of wins this year, but not in the big races.

“I seem to get through to feature Finals and run a place here and there, but I haven’t had much luck in actually winning them,” Parker says.

“So, a win in this race would be good. But, it will be tough. You can make a winning case for each dog in the Final.”

There’s another more personal reason Parker would also be pleased with Showtime Isaac saluting on Tuesday night.

He has shared success in this race once before.

In 2012 Parker’s father, long-time North Queensland owner and trainer Henry ‘Merv’ Parker won the race with Cherokee Bob.

Tony Parker and his dad shared training duties out of their kennels near Ayr, in North Queensland.

Tony juggled work and greyhound training, but gradually the training duties increased as his father grew older.

Last year Tony’s greyhound focus grew even more as Merv, a respected industry figure, became unwell and passed away, aged 83.

This year training officially became Tony’s full-time career.

“It’s a big change and can be challenging,” he said.

“But, you wouldn’t do it unless you really enjoyed working with greyhounds and I always have.

“Of course, your livelihood depends on your dog's doing well, but in some ways that isn’t a whole lot different from most people who run their own business.

“I couldn’t do this without the help I get from my wife Kellie. She is a big part of what we do, a really big help.”

Parker has 15 dogs in work out of their busy kennel on 10 acres at Giru, about 30 minutes north of Ayr.

He is having a standout year, currently fourth on the Townsville trainers’ premiership ladder with 82 wins.

Part of that success is due to Showtime Isaac, who currently leads the greyhound premiership race for 2024 with 17 wins and 10 placings for the year.

“He (Showtime Isaac) has been a really good dog, although he is a bit full of himself at the moment,” says Parker, with a laugh.

“Each day when he comes back into his kennel after being let out, he ‘demands’ a pat and a cuddle before he lets you go.

“As far as Tuesday night goes, you can never go into any race, especially a feature Final, with too much confidence because you are only setting yourself up for a let-down.

“But, I believe Showtime Isaac is good enough to deserve a win in a feature like this. He has been close a couple of times, but for one reason or another hasn’t finished on top.”

One trainer who has had plenty of recent feature success, Sarina’s Steve Scott, poses the biggest threat in the North Queensland Cup with his three runners.

He has recent Rockhampton Futurity winner Farmor Casual (box three), Rockhampton Derby winner Farmor Fired Up (box seven) and reigning Rockhampton Cup holder Inevitable (box eight).

“I would say that Farmor Fired Up is probably the biggest danger out of a very good field,” Parker said. 

“Angels Rage (Heath Ardle) will also put himself in the race. Showtime Isaac doesn't have to lead, but also I don't want to be five off them going down the back.

“Ideally, he would be within two or three lengths of the leader. It will all come down to him getting a clean run.

“He is getting better in not trying to run through dogs in front of him. He will now wait and when the run comes, he will go.”