AN unexpected win at Gawler greyhounds on Friday provided a bit of a lift for Two Wells trainer Kim Johnstone.
In a grade-six event over the 400m distance, Kim’s runner Nigel Lee started from box-seven and, after an even start, was able to cross the field, with Long Gully Terry (box-four) and Burnt Gold (box-eight) in close pursuit.
Nigel Lee was able to gradually extend his lead over the field, going on to win by two-and-a-half lengths in the time of 23.08 secs.
Long Gully Terry took second placing for Paula Hearnden of Angaston and Burnt Gold was third for Renata Maruszczyk of Lewiston.
After the race, Kim confided that she was not expecting to win, and was a little surprised at his effort, as ‘Nigel’ has sometimes shown potential but not always produced that in races.
“Where was he hiding that run,” Johnstone joked following the result.
The win provided a bit of a boost for Johnstone, who said that last year had been her least rewarding in terms of winners in many years, while still managing 41 winners.
Bouncing back well this year, Johnstone has nine winners to date, helped along by Nigel’s win, to be tracking along for a much higher number.
Nigel Lee is a member of a litter bred by her parents, Darrell and Kathy, a litter that had 11 pups, with 10 of them winners.
Being a third generation greyhound trainer in the Johnstone family, Kim has been a trainer in her own right for over 20 years.
She said she likes the social aspects of the sport as well, and enjoys the atmosphere at the Gawler track, and Nigel’s win helped put a smile back on her face.
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