Cleland's Wheels In Motion

THE connection between greyhounds and pigeon racing continued at Wentworth Park yesterday week when King In Motion gave Riverstone trainer Robert Cleland his first city winner.

For Cleland, who has been battling bowel cancer, King In Motion's win was a welcome boost.

“I have been training on and off since 1984,” Cleland said.

“Until then I flew racing pigeons with the Seven Hills Club, and was involved in that sport from 1978 until I got a greyhound in partnership with a mate. Before I got sick was a glazier but have bred successful greyhounds, the best of them being Cobber In Motion.”

“In his first trial at Richmond he recorded 30.50 for the 535m and I thought, wow, what have I got here. He won his maiden there but at the time I was caring for my father, who had dementia, and when I was offered $10,000 for Cobber In Motion I sold him.”

“King In Motion is by Magic Sprite from Crafty Annie, who has had three litters, including Cobber In Motion, a son of Cosmic Chief. Cobber In Motion won 16 races and was a Free For All winner at Wentworth Park.”

“King In Motion, who turned two in January, is capable of winning again in town. I have learned that if I don't space his runs he goes off a bit.”

“He seems to perform better when he is kept fresh. At present I have six dogs in work, with my team boosted recently by my purchase of three youngsters from breeder Benny Howe.”

King In Motion's win at WP yesterday week was the dog's third in 12 starts, with the greyhound exiting box one and, despite racing wide, leading throughout to win in 30.65.