Tamara on the Ball after strong start to 2022
Hunter Valley training partners Tamara and Graeme Ball have kick-started their 2022 campaign in style, having already notched up eight winners and nine placings from their boutique team of chasers.
Tamara was born into a greyhound-racing-obsessed family – her two grandparents and two uncles are both trainers – and started training at 18 years of age, so she boasts a wealth of knowledge when it comes to getting the best out of her chasers.
“It’s about keeping the dogs happy and injury free and listening to the advice you’re given, as you can never learn too much about them,” she said.
Her training introduction was a successful one, with Go Wild Connor a winner of 13 races.
Her current charge Classic Artist is flying at present, with the daughter of Aston Dee Bee notching up her third straight win at Taree on Saturday in a FFA event over the 392m. Her record now sits at an outstanding 10 wins and 10 minor placings from just 30 starts.
If there’s one race Tamara would love to win, it is her local feature event, the Muswellbrook Cup, while she dares to dream of winning the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg.
While her life revolves around her greyhounds, Ball says all the hard work is worth it, especially when you get to work with these amazing creatures on a daily basis.
“Just being with the dogs, they’re beautiful animals to work with and when you get the results it feels so good as you know you have your dog at its best,” she said.