Hamillson Hands Hill A Change In Fortunes

IN 12 years of training greyhounds Frankston-based Richard Hill has won just two races.

So you can imagine the 74-year-old's delight after guiding promising youngster Hamillson to his second straight victory to launch his career at Sandown Park last Thursday night.

"Two winners in 12 years and now two winners in five days – it's a change," Hill quipped.

"My wife Noelene and I have had a few dogs over the past 12 years but we're not in it for the wins or money. Providing they come home with us in one piece we consider it a win.

"For us it's just the enjoyment of being involved. But I must admit the past week has been a different kind of feeling. Good fun actually."

Last Sunday week, the Hill-trained Hamillson debuted with a slick 29.70 maiden victory at Sandown before the son of Out Of Range backed that up with an all-the-way 29.82 final win on Thursday.

It was Hill's first city victory, his previous two wins coming at Cranbourne and Warragul during a 12-year time frame.

"Dynamic Deano had one win from 23 starts and My Bro Lucky one from 34 – it was funny they both won the week I was thinking about retiring them," Hill said.

"But as I said we're not in it for the money or the wins. Providing they are healthy and come home safe and sound that's what matters to us."

Following two slick city victories Hill could be forgiven for getting slightly ahead of himself with the promising Hamillison – his name a composition of letters from his children and grandchildren.

"The plan is to take it week by week and let him find his feet," Hill said.

"We bought him and his brother (Our Tie Breaker) when they were five months old off Amanda Frey at Cranbourne.

"Brian and Deb Selleck reared them for us and Kerry Smythe broke them in with very good reports. We keep everyone informed as to their progress and are thankful for all their help along the way.

“They are the most relaxed dogs. They are here on the deck asleep now while I'm talking to you.”

Hill describes his entry into greyhound racing as "accidental" but has loved every minute of it despite limited success prior to Hamillson.

"A mate of mine that I worked with Trevor Little got involved through a syndicate of blokes at Kingswood Golf Club all those years back – so it was accidental more than anything," Hill said.

"Ron Partington has been a good friend for a lot of years as well and we speak regularly. We really do enjoy it regardless of the results we have."

Hill admits Hamillson's sensational start to his career has been an eye-opener.

"It's a different feeling that's for sure – he's a very good young dog," Hill said.

"If you watch his races you can tell he finds a kick when the other dogs get to him. He's very competitive which is a great trait to have early on.

"He's intelligent as well – more so than me I think!"

Hamillson's Thursday night victory was also Out Of Range's first city winner from just his fifth starter to hit the track.

And given the story around the promising pup it won't be one that's forgotten any time soon.