Graeme Barnett’s Night To Remember
Hunter Valley trainer Graeme Barnett experienced the thrill of a lifetime on Saturday night when his only two dogs in work saluted in impressive fashion on Vic Peter's final night at Wentworth Park.
Graeme and his wife Jenny, have a spectacular acreage property located at Reedy Creek, approximately 2 ½ hours from the Glebe circuit, where they breed, rear and train their own greyhounds, with much success.
Four-year-old Hotwire stepped out in the opening event over 720m, looking for his 17th win, after his last victory came at Lismore back in July. Barnett was confident of his chances, as retirement looms for this staying star, racking up his 9th victory at headquarters.
‘I thought to myself if he is ever going to win another race that was it'.
Placed at the back of the field for a majority of the race, Hotwire flashed home in the straight to produce a stunning come from behind victory, that had legendary caller Paul Ambrosoli jumping from his seat.
‘He owes me nothing. I would love to get another stayer like him and his litter is the best one Jenny and I have had since we have been training by ourselves'
By Big Daddy Cool out of Ima Stunner, the litter of 8 whelped during September of 2009, produced some talented chasers including; Cool Stunner (winner of 10 races ranging from 515 to 642m), Black Stunner (42.25 over 717m at Richmond and 35.05 over 600m at Unibet Gardens) and Cool Rush (winner of 13 races).
Barnett also rates sire Big Daddy Cool, the best sire he has used.
‘Big Daddy Cool has been my best sire. I can't fault him, his been great for us'.
Barnett's other runner Edge was well supported in a competitive FFA lineup, with the added bonus of exiting from box one. Beginning fast from the inside alley, the son of Cosmic Rumble and Belle Tara, rounded up early leader Electro Storm at the top of the home turn to streak away by 2 lengths in a sensational time of 29.68.
A surprised Barnett was elated with the win and too secure his first double at Wentworth Park.
‘I've never got a double at Wentworth Park before so it was a great thrill. I thought Electro Storm would be the one to beat and honestly I was surprised when my dog passed him.'
Barnett received another huge thrill last month when Edge finished second in the Group Two Lismore Cup. After a successful campaign at the track back in June, winning two of his three starts, Edge returned to tackle the coveted Group race, winning his heat and coming tantilisingly close to claiming the $40,000 prize.
‘The Lismore Cup did wonders for him. He went off the boil for a while, his first two splits were good he just needed to get a bit stronger and he has.'
Edge now has 15 wins from just 38 starts next to his name and almost $50,000 in prize money.
Barnett juggles his establishment with being a full time shift worker, making each win worth all the dedication himself and his family devotes to their love affair with greyhounds.