Mutton sparked by daughter’s love of greyhound racing

By Pat McLeod

Lifelong greyhound devotee Corey Mutton has revealed how his 15-year-old daughter Elizabeth re-invigorated his passion for the sport.

“She reminded me what greyhound racing is really all about,” the Gold Coast-based trainer said.

“This industry can be tough. Long days, some good, but a lot that are hard and don’t seem too rewarding. You can get tired, frustrated and lose sight of why this is such a great sport.

“But, watching my daughter become more and more involved in greyhound racing and seeing the joy she gets from these dogs and what they do has really re-invigorated me.

“It’s taken me back to remembering what real greyhound racing is.”

Mutton says Sunday’s Capalaba Derby and Futurity heats are a classic example of what he loves about the sport.

“It is greyhound racing in its purist form,” he explains.

“The dogs and their trainers must be 100% on their game because 99% won’t be good enough.

“Have a look at the Derby heat that I am in. Jemma Daley's dog (Hara’s Pest) out of the one and Tommy’s (Tom Tzouvelis) dogs (Armarta) in the four and (Zipping Sweeny) in the seven.

“They are just three of the really good dogs in this race.

“But, as I say to Elizabeth: This is why we race – good, tough competition. We do our thing as trainers, then we box the dog and let him do the talking.”

To date Mutton’s Derby hopeful, Pop Said Yes, has had plenty to say – four starts for four wins on three different tracks.

“This dog is still very young (turns two on Saturday) and he has a lot to learn,” Mutton says.

“But, I like what I see so far. He has speed, but only time will tell how good a race dog he can be. I haven’t found the bottom with him yet.

“Sunday will be another learning experience for him. He likes Capalaba. He won there at his first two starts.

“There are just the two heats and six starters in his race, so hopefully ‘George’ (Pop Said Yes’ kennel name) can finish in the top four and make it through to the Final.”

That would mean a first for Elizabeth.

“She has had a lot to do with this dog and always boxes him,” Mutton says.

“She has her handler’s licence and it would be great for her to box a dog in a feature Final for the first time.

“She just loves greyhound racing and wants to progress through to being a trainer. Of course school is the priority right now, but she still finds plenty of time to be involved with the dogs.”

Mutton also explained how Elizabeth was responsible for the dog’s name – Pop Said Yes – and also that of kennelmate – Nan Said No.

“She was on holidays at my grandparent’s place at Caloundra and she was telling me that one night there was a discussion around what they were having for dinner and pizza was suggested," he said. 

That would have meant great grandfather ‘Pop’ driving to get the pizza at night.

“Elizabeth said that ‘Nan said no’, but then ‘Pop said yes’," recalled Mutton.

“And, straight away I thought they would be great names for dogs and so here we are.”

The Derby heats are races three and four on Capalaba’s 10-race program, while the two Futurity heats are races seven and eight.