A stunned Darren McDonald can’t believe the durability of new Healesville track-record holder There’s A Earn and was in awe of the greyhound’s ability to recover from a near career ending injury earlier in the year.
McDonald says that There’s A Earn’s career was pretty much over when he tried to jump the fence of the catching pen at Sydney’s Wentworth Park in April, injuring his leg on the lure cable.
“When the injury happened we thought it was all over and all we cared about was making sure the greyhound was okay, we weren’t even thinking about racing at that stage,” McDonald said.
“The work of the vets and the surgeons to keep him alive was outstanding and we’re so happy that he’s okay.”
There’s A Earn broke Frosty Jay Jay’s Healesville track-record yesterday, running an outstanding 18.800 over the 350m journey at an average speed of just over 67 km/h beating home track-specialist Walk Hard.
McDonald was hoping to see There’s A Earn equip himself well to the track and produce a solid run but was surprised when he saw the time that was posted.
“The record was not expected at all. He has been trialling okay but hadn’t been showing that sort of speed,” the Devon Meadows mentor said.
“We underestimate the durability of the greyhound. They are simply amazing animals.”
There’s A Earn burst onto the scene in a Victorian debut win at Sale before competing in a number of high-class races. He was injured in his semi-final of the Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park in April.
The new record-holder will contest a heat of the Group 2 Healesville Cup to be run this Sunday at the picturesque venue.
WATCH: There’s A Earn Breaks Healesville Track Record
