Room To Breathe's Start Sets Thornton On His Way

PROMISING pup Room To Breathe made it five wins from five starts at Ballarat on Wednesday night, continuing a remarkable run for trainer Taylor Thornton. 

Room To Breathe began modestly from box one but rallied strongly to draw level with early leader Dear Calra Lou before being checked approaching the first turn. 

The son of Aussie Infrared picked himself up and switched to the outside, finishing strongly to score by 2.5 lengths and secure a trip to Sandown Park for the final on Thursday night. 

"He's still learning, but he's got a lot of ability," Thornton said.

"We're just taking it slowly, but he's done everything right so far."

For Thornton, 30, Room To Breathe represents more than just a good dog – he's the payoff for a bold decision to uproot his life in New Zealand and pursue a career in greyhound racing in Australia.

Thornton's introduction to the sport came from innocent curiosity. 

"I was walking past the local greyhound track in New Zealand when I was about 17," he recalled.

"I asked a lady if she wanted a hand, that's how I got into it." 

He would go on to work under respected trainer Karen Walsh for over a decade before deciding to chase greater opportunities in greyhound racing's premier jurisdiction.

"For me, Australia has always been the pinnacle – especially Victoria," he said. 

"I used to watch the racing on TV and idolise it. I figured if I was going to train dogs, I wanted to have a crack at the best."

That prompted a move across the Tasman around 18 months ago, moving to Pearcedale and linking up with Andrew Paraskevas. 

"I didn't know Andrew before I got here, but he gave me a shot. He said I could have five dogs as part of the operation – and I managed to pick out a couple of smart ones."

Thornton has won ten races from just 22 starters in 2025, along with seven placings. Room To Breathe is the flagbearer for his fledgling operation, though his ability wasn't apparent early on.

"He broke in relatively well, but when we started pre-training him, he just took the next step," Thornton said. "He's not quick early, but he's very strong and just keeps improving."

Room To Breathe will line up from box one at Sandown on Thursday night, and has the advantage of having trialled over 515m – running a respectable 29.40. 

While Room To Breathe has continued to improve with every run, Thornton has no firm plans for his kennel star and is content to let his charge work through the grades.

"He's still green, but he's got a motor. We'll give him a couple more schoolings before testing him against the top-tier dogs. There's no need to throw him in the deep end too soon."

It's a careful, calculated approach from a young trainer who knows he's still learning the ropes himself. Taylor is embracing life in Victoria's fiercely competitive racing scene – and leaning heavily on Paraskevas as a mentor. 

"I probably ask him 30 questions a day," he laughed. 

"You're always learning in this game and there's a lot to take in here. City racing in Victoria is next-level. You've got to be sharp, but that's where I want to be."

While Room To Breathe continues to steal the spotlight, his litter brother Settle For Less is also showing promise and will line up in the VicBred Maiden final on Sunday, having qualified in a slashing 18.91 over the 350m.

 "If they both stay sound, it could be a really exciting time," he said.