Ash Tray Change Proving A Revelation For Edwards

HIGHLY promising young sprinter Ash Tray Change gave newcomer trainer Carrie Edwards her biggest thrill in training when winning a 4th-5th Grade final (400m) at Dubbo on Saturday night, his sixth win from his past seven starts.

The victory was sweetened even further as the race was worth $10,000 to-the-winner.

“He's the first dog I have trained,” said Carrie. “We went looking for a trainer for the pups from the litter we have but no one would take them.

“So, I thought I'd give it a go myself.”

Ash Tray Change is named after a saying Carrie's husband, Jason, says to mates that the cost of anything would be “ash tray change to you”.

Carrie's dad, Tommy Miller, 87, bred the litter by Zipping Garth from Mrs Brown, a bitch that won just one race but showed great early pace in her races, but an injury early in her career stopped her making headlines.

“Dad has been breeding with this bloodline for more than 20 years,” said Carrie.

“He has always kept a bitch from each litter he breeds to carry on the line.

“Dad gives me a pup from each litter and I picked this bloke out at six weeks.

“Dad sent four down to Jason and I to rear and when we could not get trainers for them, they just stayed with us.”

Ash Tray Change suffered an infection and a shoulder injury not long after starting his race career and Muswellbrook-based Carrie gave him a break.

He has since developed into a highly promising sprinter.

“We are not sure what to do with him now,” said Carrie. “But he will probably have a short break and maybe head back to Maitland.

“I am pinching myself about how good he is. He's a bit special to me.”