Forgetful Cook could serve up a lucrative course at Capalaba

By Pat McLeod

Chris Jordan and his greyhounds live by the motto ‘happy wife, happy life’ and wife Cheryl will certainly be happy if the cards fall correctly at Capalaba on Sunday.

Jordan, with daughter Melissa, also a trainer, will campaign Forgetful Cook in the Anniversary Cup Final at the Brisbane straight track, as well as Zipping Boost in a later fifth grade heat.

As Jordan explains, he has only recently returned to the sport after a long history in greyhounds with family always playing a major role.

“I had been involved in greyhounds for quite a while, but then had a 20-year break,” the 67-year-old said.

Jordan is based at Banora Point, a coastal town just over the border into New South Wales.

“Back then I was based out of a kennel in Murwillumbah. I did well enough to make a living out of greyhounds," Jordan said. 

“I decided to get out of greyhounds because it was time for all of us to have a break. Then I came back a little bit over a year ago.

“I was a little bored sitting at home doing nothing and my wife (Cheryl) said, ‘why don't you get a greyhound’. I had her permission, so I got one.”

These days daughter Melissa has a trainer’s licence and Cheryl also helps out at their small kennel.

“We have four race dogs and that is the limit,” Jordan said.

“We don’t want more than that and I am really enjoying greyhounds this time around.

“I like racing at Capalaba. The money in straight track racing is a lot better than what it was 20 years ago. Back then I had the choice of travelling the two hours to Capalaba or 10 minutes to the Tweed track.

“It was a pretty easy decision. It is a real shame the Tweed track no longer exists, but these days it is certainly worth the drive to Capalaba.

“Having said that though, I do race at the tracks that suit the dogs, rather than where it suits me.”

Sunday’s main assignment is a tough one – the $12,025-to-the-winner Anniversary Cup.

It includes boom NSW dog Bernardo Beast (trained by Darren Sultana) and track record holder Rio Will Rock among a cast of straight track threats.

Jordan says Forgetful Cook is ‘a place chance’.

“He has good early speed and he travels in a straight line,” Jordan said of his Flying Ricciardo and Pablo Mouse chaser.

“The heat last Sunday was his first run in a few weeks. He just went a bit sour so I gave the dog a couple of weeks off, therefore there should be some improvement on the heat run.

“I am hoping he can run into a place on Sunday with the quality of the dogs that will be in this Final.”