Forster’s greyhound passion blooms with Grevillea

By Pat McLeod

Successful thoroughbred trainer Desleigh Forster enjoys ‘the view’ at The Q.

“It is so good to be on the other side of the fence, as an owner,” Forster explains.

“It's great to go out there with no pressure. To have a fun night and to socialise. Greyhound people are very casual, laid back. They are just good people to be around.”

Winning also helps and Forster has tasted her fair share of that since her foray into greyhound ownership began with Jerry in 2022.

On Thursday night those winning stakes rise when her ownership team head into the Ipswich Derby Final over 457 metres on the Q1 Lakeside track with the freakishly fast Grevillea.

“I have been really lucky with the few dogs that I have owned so far have been winners, but we’ve had no luck in a feature race,” Forster says.

“We have won through the heat stage, but just had no luck in the Final.”

Grevillea certainly offers room for some confidence on Thursday night, breaking the track record in his heat win with a sizzling 24.86 second performance.

Ironically, the previous record holder, Jeff Crawford’s Validate (24.99 seconds) poses one of the biggest threats, from box two.

Forster, whose thoroughbred training high point to date came with Apache Chase and victory in 2022 Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm, is quick to dismiss any thoughts of ever taking up the collar and lead.

However, she is happy to provide her ownership group of five friends – aptly named ‘Here To Party’ - her appraisal of their dog’s chances in the $30,000-to-the-winner Derby decider.

“The key to our dog is a clean start,” Forster says.

“If he gets that then he is very fast. His start is improving and he is quite genuine now. On Thursday night the dog out of box two (Validate) will be a very hard dog to beat. He loves that box.

“Grevillea will have to bring his 'A Game' and if he and Validate both jump cleanly, I reckon they will set another track record.

“It will be a very good race. They are all fast dogs, but for me, the best thing about Thursday night is that we will be there with good friends and to have some fun.”

Forster’s entry into greyhound racing occurred over a few drinks with good friend, and another thoroughbred racing identity, Letitia Langbecker, one Saturday afternoon. 

“We decided that we needed something else to do and then decided that was to own a greyhound,” she said.

“Others came on board and we have been pretty lucky ever since.

“Our first dog, Jerry, was very fast, but every now and again he would get to the lead and then decide to stop and play. He now has a very good life living with one of the part owners.

“I get great satisfaction out of the current group of dogs we have racing because we bought them at a puppy auction.

“We have been through the whole process, from selecting them from the catalogue, to buying them and now racing them.”

However, Forster explains that a major reason for her love of greyhound racing is her relationship with veteran trainers, the Northern NSW-based Denise and Dennis Robinson.

“They are such a fantastic couple to work with,” Forster said.

“The thrill of seeing Dennis and Denise get a thrill out of training our dogs, well I just love that. Dennis was adamant that this dog would break the track record. That shows how much confidence he has in the dog.

“Grevillea running a track record on Thursday night was great, but seeing the look on Dennis' face was amazing. He was over the moon.

“So, to have a dog that could light up somebody's face like that is just so good.”

The feel-good sentiments flow both ways.

“The owners are such lovely people,” Denise Robinson says. 

“I believe they will be bringing quite a few supporters on Thursday night, which is really great. Unfortunately, I won’t be there. I am going into hospital on Wednesday for a hip replacement and, hopefully, will be out on Friday.

“But, I will definitely be watching the race from my bed. I am more nervous about the race than the surgery.”

Denise Robinson said Grevillea’s start was her main concern.

“He is consistent, but just needs a little bit of luck early,” she said.

“He just takes a few strides to muster and it would be great if he has a bit of clean air. He is coming out of box five, which is OK. That shouldn't worry him.

“It is a very strong field, but Dennis and I believe the dog’s main rival will be Jeff Crawford's Miles On It, out of the eight and his other dog (Validate from box two).

“Both of his dogs are a big danger. So, I am just hoping for that little bit of luck, because his best characteristic as far as I am concerned, is that once he gets that clear run, you can't catch him.”