Neutron developing into young racing genius

By Josh Spasaro

There is no question Neutron has plenty of chasing ability – he is gunning for his sixth consecutive victory at Capalaba this Sunday.

The 22-month-old black dog, nicknamed Jimmy, is also a real gentleman. Neutron is prepared by Vicki Shepherd at Dakabin. Vicki is assisted by her husband Ben Shepherd at her kennel. 

“Just have a look at Jimmy Neutron. After his race last week, we took him up to the nursing home to see my wife’s great-grandmother who’s turning 96,” Ben Shepherd said.

“He spends an hour, up to an hour-and-a-half at the nursing home saying hello to everyone. And, we go home afterwards.”

Neutron might also want to see what his competitors are up to at box rise on Sunday when he jumps from the two.

But, once he finds his rhythm, he will only have eyes for the bunny.

“He’d like to go across to the three or four,” Ben Shepherd said.

“He’s got a pretty good chance if he gets out."

Neutron – by Primo Uno and out of Tarks Tammy Rose – impressed his experienced owner and trainer with his last-start victory up the 366 metre Capalaba straight.

He saluted by seven lengths, crossing the line in 19.55 seconds.

“That was quite a surprise, but he showed some ability when he was younger,” Ben Shepherd said.

“And, I think as he matures and learns how to run in a field, he’s starting to get a bit better.

“I think with a bit of experience he’s capable. He’s always shown that he has a bit of pace to him.

“But, I have been surprised about how well he’s navigated the field and learnt how to run with the field.

“And, I was certainly very surprised last weekend when I saw 19.55 seconds.”

The Shepherd team trains Neutron’s litter sister, Tea Rose. Ben and Vicki are also assisted by their son Jarrod as they train their kennel. 

The black bitch has also shown some promise, with two wins from nine starts.

“She’s got some ability. She’s had a few niggling injuries that I have to deal with,” Ben Shepherd said.

“But, if I can get on top of those, then she’ll be better than what she’s shown so far.

“The other three in the litter are outstanding. They’re owned by John Thompson and Simone Kellermeyer.”

Ben Shepherd is good mates with Thompson.

“We went halves in the litter and it was just drawn out of a hat. I got three and he got three,” Ben Shepherd said.

“But, if you look at the ability of the whole litter out of Tarks Tammy Rose, it’s a very exciting litter.”

Ben Shepherd didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to go halves in a litter by Primo Uno, with multiple Group 1-winner He Knows Uno his top progeny.

“Primo Uno was a very hard chaser and a very good dog. And, John told me it goes very well with his line,” he said.

“I just jumped at the chance when he gave me the opportunity. He said, ‘we’ll breed with my bitch’ and I didn’t say anything except yes.

“To get into his line, he’s produced many Group 1s and Group winners. So, I was very fortunate.

“He gave me an opportunity and I was lucky to get three and I’m very happy with them.”

And, there is another exciting litter on the way.

“John and I have gone halves in the next litter out of Tarks Tammy Rose with My Bro Fabio,” Ben Shepherd said.

“John knows the breed inside and out. He thinks My Bro Fabio from the past has worked very well with this line.

“So, I’m very excited to get a pup out of her. I hope I get a bitch, actually, because I’d love to breed on with the line.”

Ben Shepherd – who learnt a lot about greyhound racing from his late mother Judith Gordon – said he was now happy working alongside his son, Jarrod.

“My eldest son, Jarrod, is also heavily involved in the kennel. He’s very involved in greyhound racing,” he said.

“He does a lot of boxing and catching and a lot in the kennels like walking the dogs. The stewards are very good to him and they always look after him.

“It gives him an interest in racing, especially when he gets a winner. That’s when he puffs his chest out.”

The 59-year-old Ben added his biggest highlights in greyhound racing were not specific moments, but just enjoying the journey with his family.

“I think the greatest highlights have been with my family – Mum, my son. The greatest thing is we haven’t lost money over 24 years owning greyhounds,” he said.

“We’ve always had good bread-and-butter dogs. It’s brought the family together over the past 24 years. That’s been the highlight of my life.”