De La Roche's Stud Stocks On The Rise

NICK De La Roche, at 41, has surrounded himself with greyhound knowledge and a family support base he acknowledges could give him the break he needs to become a powerful force in racing.

The Victorian got hooked on the sport when he was a 10-year-old after his uncle John started training.

It led to an association with top trainer Wayne Vassallo, a combination that continues today.

Nick lives on a half acre property at Beaconsfield and just around the corner, “a few minutes away” is premier studmaster Paul Westerveld.

“When I was setting up my new kennel block on the property, Paul was fabulous with the help he gave me,” said Nick.

“He came around and gave me designs and set-up of the kennel block and for that I am so grateful.”

But what is also a Westy “rub-off” is the fact Nick De La Roche has branched out into the studmaster role himself, snapping up proven sire Moreira and has just landed Topgun winner Get It Gizmo and track record breaker Flynn.

All three come from leviathan dog man Harry Manolitsis.

“I've known Harry since I was a young fella and he has been great mates with my uncle and of course Wayne," Nick said.

“Right from the age of 10 when helping my uncle John and then Wayne, I have had a love of the animal first and foremost.

“I bought my first greyhound as a 16-year-old.

“But, I am passionate about breeding the greyhound as well and that especially includes the stud side.”

Nick has bred such stars as Roy Galo, Zanadu Dancer and Buffet Destroyer.

Moreira stands at a fee of $1650, Get It Gizmo will be $1430 and Flynn $1100.

All three are sons of champion sire Kinloch Brae.

Nick is already sourcing Fernando Bale bitches to use himself with Gizmo and Flynn.

While Nick has been busy surrounding himself with luminaries of the industry to guide him, he has also put together a supporter base second to none.

“My wife Lisa and our children Archer and Charlotte are a wonderful support,” said Nick.

“But I've also got daily support from my cousins Paul and Michael, both of them in their early 20s.

“And, all my mates are coming on board getting more and more involved with the dogs.

“All of it goes to helping the supporter base for greyhound racing itself.”

Nick says he cannot wait for the day Gizmo and Flynn have their first pups on the ground.

His search for Fernando Bale bitches means he will be “putting my money where my mouth is” by getting litters from his two newest members of his stud team.

“All three stud dogs have the X factor bloodlines, especially their damlines, and that is something special,” said Nick.