Training great still loves the thrill of the chase

By Pat McLeod

Training great Paul Cauchi is hungry for victory in Sunday’s Capalaba Young Guns Final. 

In fact, the Australian greyhound industry Hall Of Famer says his desire to win and passion for the sport is as strong now as any time during his illustrious 68-year training career.

“Of course I would love to win on Sunday,” the 88-year-old multiple-Group 1 victor declared.

“This is a very competitive race and a great venue.

“It would be great to win. I love winning.

“But, I enjoy winning a maiden. I just love greyhound racing. I love being with the dogs. It is my life.”

The Gold Coast-based conditioner has Hocking jumping from his preferred box eight in what is a very slick field for the straight track feature race.

Cauchi is now reaping the rewards after carefully nursing Hocking through a stopper bone injury that had the My Redeemer and Tahlia's Way chaser off the track for almost four months.

“(Owner and original trainer) Scott (Gould) asked me if I would take on the dog after he was injured,” Cauchi explains.

“Scott is a really nice bloke and I was happy to have a go with him (Hocking).

“He is a funny dog. He definitely likes the eight at Capalaba, so he is drawn well on Sunday.

“He has posted a good time there (19.63 seconds) at the track, but the longer he races after the injury I believe the stronger he will get, so it is possible that he has a quicker time in him.

“Whether that happens on Sunday, who knows.

“I know that he is a chance in this race because of where he is drawn, but there are also a lot of very quick dogs lining up.”

There is pressure from across all boxes on Sunday.

However, the main dangers appear to be from box one (Bad Boy Wilson), box two (Blue Art) and box six (Kyoto).

Hocking jumped to a commanding lead in his heat before being mowed down on the line by the blistering finish of Blue Art.

Cauchi says the fact that his dog will start from where he wants to be is a crucial advantage.

“If he gets left alone, then his chances increase,” he said.

“A clean run out there would be perfect.”

To date all of Hocking’s races have been on the Capalaba straight, with his 10 runs resulting in two wins and six placings.

After Sunday’s feature Cauchi is strongly considering a move ‘to the circle’.

“I am not sure what distance he will get to, but I believe he deserves a chance on the circle,” he said.

“He has shown ability on the straight and I would like to see what else he has.”