27 August 2008
Reg Kay has four race dogs in his boutique, but elite kennel. Three of them are group one winners, the only one which isn’t is Knocka Norris, one of the favourites for the Rapidvite National Sprint Grand Final at Wentworth Park.
The champion Queensland mentor is hoping his multiple track record holder can correct this discrepancy on Saturday night.
To make things easier for Knocka Norris, Victorian sprinter Mogambo has been scratched from the final after tearing his quad muscle. Disappointed Trainer Jamie Ennis confirmed the injury a short time ago and said the star sprinter will be out of racing for up to a month.
From the first day the Knocka Norris stepped onto a race track, Kay knew he had something special.
“He’s the fastest dog I’ve ever trained,” declared Kay.
But while his kennel mates have all won at the highest level, luck has seemed to have deserted Knocka in the features.
Knocka Norris is the son of the 2003 National Sprint Title winner, Elite State, which was also trained by Kay.
“Elite State was different, the complete package, he won 26 out of 30 and two group ones,” said Kay.
But Kay did have a warning for his competitors on Saturday night.
“He might be putting it together, he just needs a clear run.
“He’s not a bad canine athlete, that’s for sure.”
Last Saturday night at Wentworth Park, Knocka Norris trialled by far the quickest of the interstate greyhounds, running a sizzling 29.82 for the 520 metres.
“His early section was a bit steady, he’ll just need luck and not be touched in the run to the first turn,” Kay said.
Kay has had tremendous success all over the country this year, but especially at Wentworth Park where Knocka Norris’ litter sister, Elite Oriental took out the group one National futurity in February.
A refurbished Wentworth Park will host the Grand Finals of the Rapidvite National Sprint and Distance Championships are worth $50,000 to the winner on Saturday night. In addition to the great racing, the NSW GBOTA have thrown open the gates with free admission for everybody. The first race will start at 7.30.
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