If Moorak trainer Jason Newman had been looking to cement a successful relationship with Steve Williams then he couldn’t have hoped for a better start than at Tara Raceway last Sunday.
Williams, who runs the Queensland-based Velocity Lodge, is one of Australia’s most prolific owners and responsible for close to 200 greyhounds.
Newman recently took over the training of Beatific for Velocity Lodge after the son of Fabregas and Velocity Willow had spent the past 10 months in Adelaide where he won eight races.
Having his first start at the local track, Beatific led all the way from box eight in the Rock’s Tavern Stake (400 metres). On the line he had five lengths to spare over Nero Valentino in a quick time of 22.80 seconds.
For a delighted Newman, whose first win as a trainer was with Like A Slug at Tara Raceway in June last year, Sunday’s success was probably his most significant in that period.
“For sure, the win couldn’t have come at a better time as I look to further establish contacts from within the industry.
“As far as Beatific is concerned, it was great to train my first winner for Steve. And the good thing about the dog is that he runs out a strong 530 metres.
“Even though he was running over the short course last Sunday I thought he would go well. He had trialled low 23 seconds leading into the race but really surprised me with his 22.80 seconds. He’s the first dog I’ve had that’s broken the 23 seconds barrier.”