By JASON ADAMS
VETERAN trainer Alisdair Armstrong is in line to claim one of the biggest victories of his career following his greyhound Al Moran’s win at Sandown Park on Thursday night.
Beginning well from box five, Al Moran led the field first time past the post before opening a four length break down the back straight. He maintained that advantage to the line to claim the victory in 29.86 seconds.
It was Al Moran’s 20th career win and fourth since joining Armstrong’s kennel.
“He’s a good beginner and has been pinging out of the boxes lately, however I thought he might of found it a bit tricky to get across to the rail tonight,” said Armstrong.
Al Moran is the only race dog in Armstrong’s kennel. He was purchased by Armstrong and a close friend in early December from respected Junction Village trainer Russell McCrae.
“I was keen to buy a racing greyhound since I already have five young pups in my kennel that are nearly ready to be broken in.”
Armstrong is a true veteran of the sport, having being involved for 42 years after receiving his trainer’s license in 1972.
A keen punter, Armstrong was thrust in to the training side of the caper by his brother-in-law.
“I was working at Kodak at the time and used to enjoy a bet on the greyhounds. My brother-in-law was travelling to England and left me with a pup, unfortunately it wasn’t very fast on the track.”
A Group race win is something that has evaded the 69-year-old throughout his career, Armstrong’s highlight being a chaser named Dancing Lights which made a Group 2 Warrnambool Cup final.
“Dancing Lights nearly lead every race I entered her in. She was also the first female greyhound to break 24 seconds at Bendigo and she achieved that five times.”
Al Moran lines up in box three in Thursday night’s Grade 5 final which carries a $12,000 first prize.
