Andrea McConnon Enjoying Almost Instant Success

Despite having been involved in greyhound racing for only a year, Triabunna owner–trainer Andrea McConnon has already experienced a great deal of success.

The fledgling trainer prepared her initial winner back on November 12, when Tan Tiki (Talk's Cheap – Olga Doll) put seven lengths on her opposition at the Raceway and then on Monday night, her kennel recorded it's second victory when Make A Cuppa ( – Rotkara Milly) prevailed at the combined greyhound – harness racing meeting conducted at Park in .

Andrea had previously had no involvement in the industry, however her partner Trent Anthony had a liking for the sport and suggested that they become involved in a small way.

The trainer now has a team of four in work at the East Coast township, which is known as a fishing and tourist destination and has probably never been the home of racing participants of any code.

“We started by perusing greyhound racing publications and web sites, and selecting greyhounds from interstate that we thought would be suited to the environment here and the style of racing”, she explained this week.

“I either walk my team around the streets here at Triabunna or take them to the beach and it appears that the majority of them love what they are doing.”

Cherry Picker (), is another former interstate greyhound which may respond to McConnon's training methods.

“Cherry Picker was regarded as a short course chaser, but he appears to be stronger now and is about to resume following a minor injury,” Andrea explained.

As well as tending a small team, Andrea and Trent are also embarking on a breeding programme and are rearing a litter of pups by Talk's Cheap from Darley Whistler (Slater – Minnie Minor).

“The pups were whelped in December and despite the fact that Darley Whisper is five, she is jumping out of her skin and may be put back into work,” Andrea explained.

A water treadmill is also on the agenda, in fact it has been ordered from the and Andrea intends to make it available to other trainers wishing to speed up the recovery of injured greyhounds.

“It will be one of only two water treadmills in Tasmania and will prove to be a great acquisition – far too many greyhounds are missing from the track each year due to injury,” she explained.

Meanwhile Penguin trainer was back in the winners circle at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when Kalaway George was first home in the Dowling and McCarthy Juvenile (452 metres).

Raced by the Ulverstone based Nagars Syndicate headed by golfer Kerry Lehman, is one of a big litter by from the well related bitch Trina Sage, which includes the other winners Kalaway Crusty, Kalaway Ernie and Kalaway Knocka.

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