Townsville newcomer in hunt for NQ QGOLD riches

By Jordan Gerrans

Narkunda is likely to only be a short-term visitor to North Queensland but trainer Michael Fusco is going to enjoy it while it lasts.

The young black dog earned his second victory from three starts at Townsville’s Showground track on Tuesday evening and in the process qualified for next week’s rich QGOLD Final.

Following the popular QGOLD night during the 2022-23 Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival in Brisbane, the concept has now turned to the north of the Sunshine State.

Three heats of the QGOLD Open were run over Townsville’s 498 metres on Tuesday evening to celebrate Queensland-bred greyhounds before a $15,000 Final seven days later.

It is the first time the increased prize money of QGOLD races have been held at a regional track in Queensland.

Fusco and kennel newcomer Narkunda claimed the opening heat of the three, with leading local trainer Bradley Belford qualifying the fastest runner of the evening – the impressive Kiah Beach.

Kiah Beach ran 29.09 seconds on Tuesday and is a noted speedy beginner.

Fusco – who was previously on the committee of the Townsville Greyhound Racing Club – thinks there is plenty of improvement in his son of Fernando Bale ahead of the Final. 

“If we can draw well in the Final, I think we can get another two or three lengths out of him,” Fusco said.

“I think Kiah Beach is the only other one we really need to worry about.”

Narkunda landed with Fusco after completing his early racing with Justin and Gerard Bowe in South East Queensland.

The NQ dog man and the Bowes have had a long association over many years, with Fusco previously sending several of his dogs south to race for higher honours.

On The Run is a dog owned by Fusco that the Bowes race at southern tracks, as he won at Ipswich late last year in a smart time.

Fusco currently has three from the Bowes in his kennel with Captivate to return to SEQ later this week.  

“This is the first time I have taken dogs for them,” Fusco said.

“I have got three from them – one will go back on Friday and the other two will stay here for a little longer.

“Justin and I have been working together for the last three or four years and we have had success down in Brisbane when I have sent dogs down.

“We like the idea of the dogs having three to five starts here in Townsville and getting some confidence before going back to Brisbane.

“That is the plan.”

The Bowes’ dogs have settled in well to their new Rangewood surrounds, Fusco said.

Counter Advance – who is also owned by the Bowes – will face the starter on Thursday at Townsville.  

Narkunda commenced from the widest box on Tuesday evening but showed early speed to be with the leaders in the opening stages.

Despite racing wide throughout the contest, scored by just under a length in a strong performance.

“From the eight, in his heat, he just needed a little bit of room in running,” the NQ trainer said.

“It was a good run as he has settled in ok.

“I thought he might have went a little bit quicker than the time he ran in the end.

“The run was good and he will only improve next week come the Final.

“If we could steal two or three more lengths then we might be in with a chance.”

Fusco anticipates he will have Narkunda in his kennel for a handful more starts before he returns to the Bowes at Clifton.

Fusco has been involved with the dog industry for around 20 years and runs a number of businesses – including newsagents – on top of preparing his  four chasers he has in work.

“I try and keep a small team and do it all properly,” he said of his greyhounds. 

The Heath Ardle-owned and trained Mali's Gonzales was the third QGOLD heat winner on Tuesday evening, scoring in 29.47 seconds.

The QGOLD Final will be held next Tuesday evening at Townsville.

Feature QGOLD races will also be run at Rockhampton next month, starting off with heats of their series over 407 metres on March 1.