Latimer Creating Huge Hype In Greyhound Racing

SHAKEEL Latimer's recent foray into greyhound ownership has been anything but a dip in the water.

In fact, the 36-year-old Perth born investment banker has been making quite a splash, purchasing a string of top quality greyhounds in consultation with trainer and close friend Michael Bonser.

"I would normally spend nine months of the year between Switzerland and the US but coronavirus has left me grounded in Australia," Latimer said.

"And it's been the tragedy that is COVID-19 that's given me the time to invest into greyhound racing as I have.

"For me it's a fantastic escape away from work and provides a lot of fun. And we're only just getting started; we've got plans to expand considerably in the coming months."

Shakeel Latimer is anything but your conventional greyhound owner.

Presiding over multi-million dollar business deals by the day, Latimer spends his time overseas rubbing shoulders with the likes of United Nations diplomats and world leaders, while appearing in media spots with Pulitzer Prize winners and fellow entrepreneurs at the top of their respective fields.

But as Latimer explains, his self-made success story and lavish lifestyle has been anything but a walk up start, spending more than his share of time enduring the school of hard knocks.

"I don't want to come across as someone that just splashes money around because a few years ago the world looked a lot different," Latimer offered.

"It's been the last few years that business has really taken off and put me in the fortunate position where I can divulge in outside interests more like greyhound racing.

"But trust me, I've been on the other end of the side too which gives you that much needed perspective."

It was back in 2013 that Latimer first became involved in greyhound racing through a chance introduction to Michael Bonser – a semi-professional darts player – who now trains exclusively for the 36-year-old entrepreneur.

"We met through a mutual friend … completely by chance," Latimer reflected.

"I was at pub in Perth back in 2013 and a friend of mine said he had a greyhound tip which was one of Michael's dogs.

"The dog won and I picked up around $1500 and I gave some thought to buying a greyhound.

"A month or two later Michael rang me about buying one and to be honest I didn't have a clue who he was or what he was talking about!

"But we got to talking and I ended up buying my first dog … a bitch called Ness Quick … she won a few races for us without setting the world on fire. It was the prizemoney she earned that led to me buying another."

It was Latimer's joy for the sport and blossoming friendship with Bosner that led to the successful hedge fund manager being on the verge of increasing his investment back in 2015.

"We were ready to dive in and buy a property and get moving just before the Four Corners program aired which put a halt to everything," Latimer added.

"I was horrified like everybody and it opened my eyes to a part of the industry that I wasn't aware of. Michael and I had some frank conversations after that and he assured me it was the minority doing the wrong thing."

With greyhound racing enjoying a spectacular resurgence in recent years, Latimer says he's now proud to invest into an industry which he says is on an upward trajectory.

"When I get asked about being involved in the industry my message is simple – you can't drive change sitting on the sidelines, you need to be there at the wheel," Latimer said.

"I see greyhound racing having huge opportunities and upside. For myself, the welfare and care of our greyhounds is more important than anything and knowing Michael feels the same way makes for a perfect partnership.

"The industry has done some fantastic work in recent years in reforming and advocating for positive change."   

With 16 greyhounds already on the books, a number spiralling by the week, Latimer has put in place a business model he believes will pave the way for success in the coming years.

"Michael and I have a plan and a strategy for that plan which remains between us," Latimer said.

"We have a budget and expectations to meet. I'm giving Michael the chance to live his dream as a full-time greyhound trainer and ultimately the final say on the direction we head is with me."

A self-confessed risk taker by nature, Latimer is confident that his adept business knowledge can transfer into the world of greyhound racing.

"What we are embarking on is a risk but it's a calculated one," Latimer added.

"Ultimately all risks are calculated to some degree and Michael and I have decided how we'll determine success. But when you are investing millions of dollars potentially it's essential we have a strategy to work towards – which we do."

In recent months, Latimer has been on a buying spree, acquiring greyhounds he and Bonser believe will support their long term strategy, including a breeding program of their own.

Latimer has forged a strong association with breeding magnate Martin Hallinan who sold the team's first Wentworth Park winner Zipping Brady.

"I haven't been to Wentworth Park to watch one of the dogs win live yet … it's something I want to tick off soon," Latimer said.

"The Hallinans have been fantastic to deal with and we've built up strong relationships with both Martin and Cameron (Hallinan). They are very upfront and honest and our arrangements are aimed at being mutually beneficial – as all business transactions should be.

"We are in the market for a property at the moment so we can increase the number of greyhounds we have and spread our wings further. It's the next part of the journey."

In the lucrative world of investment banking, Latimer is internationally respected for his unique views and trading methods, far more interested in developing relationships that can secure long term benefits as opposed to the quest of making a quick dollar.

And it's a philosophy he plans to adopt in his greyhound racing exploits.

"For me success is simple," Latimer said.

"To enjoy racing our greyhounds with a reasonable return in an ethical and responsible way.

"That's what success looks like for me. Not to take over the greyhound world or anything like that. Just to play our part in an industry we can be proud of and have some fun along the way."