Taylor's Offer He Couldn't Refuse

TWO months ago, Brisbane-based breeder Billy Ferguson rang Rockhampton trainer Darren Taylor out of the blue with an offer he could not refuse.

Billy had bred a Magic Sprite-Paige Express litter which included a dog called Faringdon.

The dog was in training in Townsville and Billy reckoned he might ideally suit Darren Taylor's training down at Rockhampton.

“I'd noticed the dog of course while he was racing in Townsville and really liked him,” said Taylor. “When Billy rang about taking him, I jumped at the chance.”

Faringdon came off an unfavourable wide draw to win a 520m 5th Grade at Albion Park last Thursday night in 30.09 beating First Fire and Farmor At Last.
It was his ninth win in 42 starts and he has been placed 12 times.

Taylor likes him so much he will target the up-coming Townsville Cup and Derby series with him.

It takes Taylor eight hours to drive from Rockhampton to Albion Park to race but in recent months it has been well worth the effort.

“We do not hurry, stopping a number of times to let the dogs out, give them a drink and a walk,” he said.

“We find after two or three trips in a row they, and we, have had enough so we stay at home for another few weeks to give us all a chance to recover.”

But the Taylor kennel, now down to 11, has been in great form winning a number of Albion park races and running plenty of placings to help pay for the long trips.

Taylor and Ferguson have never met.

“Billy rang me out of the blue to take this dog,” said Darren.

“We've got the dog jumping much better lately and I believe there are a couple of lengths improvement in him off an inside draw.

“We'll be back next week with him for sure.”