Martin Bretherton’s greyhound racing medicine
Hunter Valley participant Martin Bretherton always yearned to become a greyhound trainer, however his early career path saw him become heavily involved in the thoroughbred industry as an owner and working with a trainer.
When he decided to start looking into how to become involved in the industry, the NSW Government's proposed greyhound racing ban in the state was announced and he decided to cease his interest at that time.
Unfortunately, in 2019 Bretherton was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, along with Crohn's Disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disease with no known cure.
He thought about what to do next, taking into account his serious health problems. In 2021, he decided to try greyhound racing before it became impossible for him to do.
His first starter as trainer was in June of 2021 and it didn't take long before he entered the winners circle when Cawbourne Cooper saluted in a free-for-all event at The Gardens over the 272m after just a month of Martin's training.
The Gardens FFA (272m) July 10 2021 – Cawbourne Cooper (15.85sec) T: Martin Bretherton
Martin, along with daughter Anna; are now regulars at the race track, with their partnership providing a wonderful distraction and sense of satisfaction.
“My daughter has come onboard to assist me in this venture and I'm so grateful she has.”
“My favourite moment so far would be being accepted by a lot of the trainers in the industry.”
“One of the biggest highlights was being told by one of the leading trainers in NSW one night at Wentworth Park, that our greyhounds look well presented.”
Recently, the Bretherton's scored a massive upset victory at Gosford over the 515m on the 20th December 2022, when Flying Torpedo got the cash from box eight at mammoth odds of $101.
Gosford 5th Grade (515m) December 20 2022 – Flying Torpedo (30.40sec) T: Martin Bretherton
For this family though it doesn't matter where their chasers place, they just love to see them race, come home safe and enjoy their treats while relaxing inside on the lounge.
And as for any advice Bretherton can provide anyone looking to enter the industry as a trainer, he says “keep doing what you're doing. Some greyhounds just can run fast. Listen to your greyhound, they talk to you. Feed them well and keep them happy.”