There was a fairytale ending to the career of Tony Collett on Saturday night as the legendary trainer signed-off with a remarkable 341/1 five-timer, including victory in his final race.
The veteran handler hung up his leads after 52 years working in greyhound racing, during which he’s won some of the sport’s biggest competitions and awards while based at his kennels in Harvel.
His five-timer at Central Park Stadium started with wins for King Stevens, Rugged Road, Kevinsfort Duke and Queen Ruby – priced 9/4, 6/1, 6/4 and 4/1 respectively.
Dreams of a magical ending to Tony’s time trackside were pinned on Extra Place in the evening’s final race – the Tony Collett Retirement Stakes. And the three-year-old black bitch duly obliged when winning the sprint in a career best 16.18 seconds by over three lengths.
It capped an emotional evening for Tony and his partner Cheryl, who has been heavily involved in finding suitable homes for greyhounds when they retire from racing.
“It was a very emotional evening,” said Tony. “And to sign-off with a winner was just the perfect ending.
“Everyone at Central Park Stadium did me proud on Saturday. I’m devastated to retire, to be honest, because the track has come on leaps and bounds since Arena Racing Company acquired it three years ago.
“We knew we had a chance in the final race with three runners entered. But we still had to win it. Extra Place paced up well to the first bend and from there we knew we’d won.
“It was extra special as Diegos Zoe in the same race had her 100th race as well, so there was a special presentation to mark her achievement.”
Tony enjoyed a drink upstairs after his final win before heading home.
But he was at the kennels bright and early on Sunday morning to wave goodbye to his final runners – all of whom have been homed or will continue their racing careers.
“I went straight home after racing,” said Tony. “But Sunday morning I was back at the kennels to wave goodbye to our final greyhounds – all of whom we’ve homed ourselves or will continue racing with other trainers.
“It did feel strange – and emotional. The journey is over and what a journey it was.
“We’re celebrating Christmas in Kenya and looking forward to some time away.”
