New ‘Dawn' For Alabar At Sandown

Gippsland speedster Alabar claimed his first win at Sandown Park on Thursday night in powerful style.

It was his seventh win from his last eight starts and followed some outstanding performances on the Gippsland circuits.

Trainer Dawn Johnston was happy with the win though hopeful that Alabar would recover well given an injury riddled career so far.

"He's had some injuries, so we've had to nurse him along. It's great to see him win here after the issues he's had," explained Johnston.

His time of 29.51 wasn't enough to break him on to the Speed Star standings, but it is evident that he's capable of improvement. Next Sunday is the last opportunity for greyhounds to trial their way into Speed Star, Johnston said it may be something they consider.

"It's a day-to-day thing with him. But with the times he's running at the moment, it's something we will look at for sure."

Alabar hails from a brilliant litter bred by Velocity Lodge (SYN) headed by Steve Williams.

It includes last year's National Sprint winner Jury and National Distance finalist of this year Velocity Lilly.

Johnston is based at Boisdale, a short drive out of Sale, where she works at a nursing home.

"I've been training for 35 years and have worked in the nursing home for 10 years. My husband does a lot of work at home with the dogs, I wouldn't be able to do it without him."