As 27-year-old Allansford greyhound trainer Kurt Howard tells it, the local Warrnambool trainers had good things to say about Mount Gambier’s Tara Raceway and its run-on lure.

“In fact, they had suggested I come over and see for myself,” Howard said. “So I ventured over and trialled a few before returning for a race meeting at the end of last month.

“And I guess it’s fair to say I soon wondered why it had taken me so long to make the 200 kilometre trip to Mount Gambier after Send It Blue gave me my first winner at the track with my first runner.”

Send It Blue, a December 2020 son of Cosmic Rumble and Mossy Girl, was only fairly away from box one in the Greg Martlew Autos Maiden Stake (512 metres). But he finished strongly for a 2¼ length win over Where’s My Cash in 30.51 seconds.

Raced by a syndicate managed by Brady Kew, who also reared the black dog, Send It Blue was purchased through Greyhound Racing Victoria Hall Of Famer Barry Smith who bred Mossy Girl (Kinloch Brae x Mepunga Moss).

Two years ago Howard joined the new breed of young Victorian trainers following the death of his grandfather, Allansford trainer Gerry Taylor who had enjoyed much success with Smith-bred dogs.

“To be honest, I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t with him, either at the track or helping manage his dogs,” Howard said.

As far as the Tara Raceway meeting was concerned, though, Howard wasn’t quite done with as later in the day he had Capra engaged in the Winning Post Supplies Mixed Stake (512 m).

And Capra, a beautifully-bred son of Fernando Bale and Born Ali, gave plenty of cheek when running a close second to Blue Sky Boy in a best of day 29.70 seconds.