Halligan On Verge Of Golden Training Return

TROY Halligan will be striving to end his eight year training sabbatical in the most spectacular of fashion when Golden Phase steps out in Saturday night's Group 3 Ladbrokes Magic Maiden Final (520m) at Wentworth Park.

Wallsend based Halligan, who last prepared a greyhound in January 2016, made his return to the training caper a successful one when Golden Phase raced to victory in a heat of the Magic Maiden last Wednesday.

The four-length winning romp in 29.82 earning Halligan a shot at group race glory in the $25,000-to-the-winner finale at headquarters this Saturday night.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

"After her win the other night I was shaking with shock and excitement – you just put so much hard work in and when it all comes together it's just great," Halligan, 52, beamed.

"I'd been away from the sport for eight years and what you miss the most is the dog itself and that connection.

"When I was thinking about coming back and getting a dog or two I said to my partner Tracey that I wouldn't do it without her support and she's been right behind me.

"Having been out of it for so long and coming back with a dog or two hopefully shows that anyone can do it … with the right dog of course."

For Halligan that right dog is Golden Phase, an 18-month old daughter of Zipping Garth and Zoey My Darlin', an immaculately bred daughter of Fernando Bale which hails from a very successful dam line.

"Back when Zoey My Darlin' was racing I said to her owner Martin Sinclair that if he ever bred with her I'd be interested in buying a pup or two," Halligan reflected.

"Martin called one day to say she'd had a litter and I really wanted a bitch. I picked the fawn one (Golden Phase) and she's absolutely stunning.

"She looks that good you almost wouldn't think she could be any good. At home she's a pleasure but when you get her to the track she switches on and it's all business.

"She broke in fair but with reports she was strong which was all I wanted to hear. Since I brought her home she's just improved all the time.

"The first time out of the boxes at The Gardens she went 29.58 and that was when I thought I really had something. Her first post-to-post at Wenty she went 24.10.

"She's very strong."

"Something special."

We hear Newcastle will be going off tonight, as Golden Phase won @Ladbrokescomau #MagicMaiden Heat 3 for Troy Halligan – and she's his first dog back after a 7-year break!

Find out the story behind the win! ???? #thedogs #greyhoundracing @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/j94scl1mcA

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 3, 2024

Golden Phase has drawn box four in her Magic Maiden quest where she's been installed a $3.70 favourite in what is a wide open betting affair. 

And while a middle box may pose a concern for some, it's a draw Halligan is content with.

"I don't mind the middle draw for her – she goes straight," he added.

"She's very strong so if she can land in the first three I do give her a good chance.

"Before the heat win I missed a bit of work with her as we had to overcome a few things so I've got no doubt that run will have really brought her on.

"I've had her checked over and she's had two slips up the straight in between so she's spot on.

"If she can win on Saturday it would be amazing but she is only 18 months, she's still just a baby. It's all ahead of her."