Maybe the best kept ‘secret' in greyhound racing in New South Wales is the Thirlmere Trial Track which, with the on-going support of Wollondilly Council, has just had a facelift.
Over the past two weeks, electrical works were completed to install a new timing system while the starting boxes (at the popular 285m start) were replaced by GRNSW's track maintenance team.
A new lure carriage and ‘mat' at the front of the boxes are in place.
And, in conjunction with the work being completed, the Thirlmere Club will be reducing the cost of trialling to $8 per trial from the May 13 session until the end of June.
"GRNSW upgraded the track three years ago and I'm surprised more people are not coming here to educate pups," Thirlmere local Mark Gatt said.
"The hand start has always led to the timing (of trials) being hit-and-miss but the new system is a trip start, exactly the same as any racetrack.
"The new boxes are what dog's race out of at Bulli, Nowra etc and the pneumatics which open and close them are the same.
"It's a huge plus to educate pups and I even use the 285m start for my race dogs. Only a couple of weeks back (National Derby winner) Ritza Tears trialled there in 16.27 seconds.
"It's not really a 285m trial however … any trainer has the option of running the dog on.
“The ‘finishing line' is on the other side of the track to the start so trainers just ask for the trial to continue back to the start and it's really like a box-to-box trial at Wenty for example.
"It's a really safe track, always in great order and lure driving has been flawless – be it for pups or a dog of Ritza Tears' calibre.
“It's just a matter of telling the guys at the boxes what's needed and it's done."
Another regular at Thirlmere is the Hilltop-based Preston Rowles and his next batch of youngsters are impressive.
"I've got half a dozen just learning their craft and, from just slips before the first turn to trialling from the (285m) boxes, the progress they are making has been rewarding," Rowles said.
"The new timing system is a massive plus and the fact that pups get experience from boxes they will eventually race from is a bonus.
"I'm shocked there are not more people wanting to trial here.
"It's nearly impossible to book a trial at Richmond and, while I understand the need to trial on a track any dog will race on, there is no better place to educate pups than Thirlmere.”
The Mother's Day trial session went off without a hitch with precise sectionals afforded to all handlers.
Thirlmere trial on Wednesday and Sunday mornings from 8.30am and booking can be make at www.ontheclock.com.au
