The Lithgow Greyhound Race Club’s Golden Muzzle is always one that is met with great anticipation by the racing fraternity.
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With the final still to come, the heats have seen some tough competition.
Out of four heats, Fly High Billy has come out the fastest with a time of 29.66, the closest being 29.89, andall other dogs not breaking the 30 second barrier.
Trainer Brad Cowling brought the greyhound down for the Memorial start the previous weekend but said Fly High Billy missed the start and was then beat a length from first.
“We were hesitant to come back after that but he came out of the box second and won,” he said.
Mr Cowling said they were surprised by the dogs ability, due to his age.
“He isn’t even two years old yet...normally a dog will come into his own at two, two and a half,” he said.
Fly High Billy has had 18 starts and six wins so far in his career and has collected a total of $7,165 in prize money.
The up and coming dog came from Melbourne where the owners have given the Cowling family a chance with him.
For the final of the race, on Saturday, December 15 Mr Cowling is hoping for an inside box.
“If we can get an inside box then he will have a really big chance of taking the win,” he said.
The family business, which is run by Mr Cowlings father in law John Stewart and fiance Amanda Stewart.
“It’s something we have both done our whole lives, with both our families being involved,” he said.
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Mr Cowlings two children, four and two, both enjoy working with the dogs as well.
Mr Cowling and his family train 12 dogs, and race weekly or bi-weekly.
“They love it, they get out there and are patting the dogs,” he said.
Mr Ewling said coming to Lithgow was a joy.
“I’ve been coming to Lithgow for years, it has got a great country atmosphere and friendly people, so I can’t fault the place,” he said.
Racing in this competition was important for the friends and family who work tirelessly in this industry, according to Mr Cowling.
“We do it for the owners who put so much time and money into this industry.”
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