Pestering Pays Off For Lilly

Three years ago, Lilly Childs pestered her dad Jonathan to get her a dog.

“We had watched Harry’s Practice on TV and he mentioned greyhounds have the best temperament, so that’s what we chased,” said Jonathan.

On Tuesday, Jonathan and now 12-year-old Lilly, were at Casino winning their first race with only their second starter.

It is Elarbee Mendes (Fully Loaded-Ringading Sister) which won a 300m 5th grade in 17.15 by two lengths as the $2.60 favourite.

“We got a GAP dog called Biddy, racing name Kingsbrae Biddy, from Jamie Hancock three years ago and fell in love with her,” said Jonathan.

“Because Jamie is so keen to see who gets the retirees from the kennel, we stayed in touch and one thing led to another.

“Lilly and I started going to the races. I got an attendant’s license and then decided to get a dog of our own to race.”

Jonathan linked up with Jake Northfield who let him handle Mr Dynamite on track to learn the ropes of raceday.

“We heard John Watts had Elarbee Mendes as a giveaway so we took him on and this is the result,” he said.

“He is Lilly’s dog and she is so converted to greyhound racing all she wants to do is become a trainer.

“She reads the form, anything she can about racing and got in touch with The Greyhound Girl Dimity Maher to get one of her caps.

“She wears it everywhere.”

Jonathan built three kennels at his home and one is vacant waiting for the next inclusion.

“Personally, I’d love to be a full time greyhound trainer, but for the moment I’m a home care nurse,” he said.

Race day was “a tough one” according to Jonathan.

“We gave him a run over 411 metres the week before and he could not see it out,” he said.

“He led but hit a brick wall.

“But dropping back to 300 this week was perfect. When he started firming as favourite for the race, the pressure was on.”