A trip to The Gardens to see Shannon Noll on The 715 night in 2022 was the catalyst to bringing Newcastle trainer Troy Halligan back into the fold after almost a decade away from greyhound racing.

Halligan, 52, walked away from the sport in 2016 due to personal reasons and the uncertainty surrounding the sport's future, but his partner Tracey's passion for the music of the popular Australian singer-songwriter proved to be the gateway for his return.

"Tracey loves Shannon Noll so I said let's go to the races," Halligan said. "I remember the night like yesterday. The belly started burning being there and watching the good dogs going around.”

"People I hadn't seen for years were coming up to us, saying hello and it reminded me how much you enjoy the relationships you build with the dog and the circle of friends you meet and make in the industry."

A few months later, Halligan received a phone call from owner Martin Sinclair who he'd crossed paths with back in 2020 and the next piece of the puzzle was ready to be put in place.

“Back when Zoey My Darlin' was racing I said to her owner Martin Sinclair that if he ever bred with her I'd be interested in buying a pup or two,” Halligan said. “Martin called somewhat out of the blue to say she'd had a litter and I really wanted a bitch."

That bitch would be named Golden Phase, and since starting her career earlier this year she has won five of her eight starts and is now being prepared for a shot at the $1 million-to-the-winner Million Dollar Chase which culminates at Wentworth Park on October 18.

But first things first, Golden Phase heads to Wentworth Park on Saturday night to contest a 5th Grade Stake over 520m in preparation for her shot at qualifying for the Million Dollar Chase in the Maitland Regional Heats on August 26.

"I took her to Wenty recently and she went 29.71 on trial night so she's going great," Halligan said.

"Saturday night is her last serious hit out before the Million Dollar Chase qualifiers and she's undefeated at Maitland. She's really come on in the last month and I think she's going better than ever and I'm really excited about what's ahead for her. I've got no doubt she's got the ability to win a good race. It's more a matter of when and where."