Accomplished trainer registers first win
ACCOMPLISHED greyhound trainer Kevin Sandiford completed his transition to harness racing last night.
Enjoying his share of success with 'dish lickers' across almost four decades, Sandiford decided to return to his roots - horses - a couple of years ago.
Sandiford's great grandfather, William, and grandfather, Bert, were highly-regarded Blacksmiths and well-known identities in 'trotting' circles.
Obtaining his trainer's licence last month, Sandiford registered his initial win when Popcornfriday caused a massive $60 upset in Melton.
"My family has a strong background with horses and I always had a passion for the games as lived with Nan and Pop, who was a Blacksmith, in Ascot Vale for a little while when I was younger and he introduced me to it," Sandiford said.
"I eventually met a girl in Fitzroy, who became my wife, but her family, particularly her Uncle Frank, were into greyhounds and I ended up going that way.
"I gave up my licence with them seven or eight years ago, then when I retired, I thought 'what am I going to do with myself', so I started getting around stables.
"People like Rita Burnett, Rod Dyer and Leigh Miles helped me learn in those early days and Paul (Grech) has been great these days.
"That's one of the great things about this game, there are plenty of people who are always willing to help you learn.
"I've part-owned and jogged a couple of slow ones, but this is my first win as a trainer."
Driven by Grech, Popcornfriday began well from barrier five only to be caught in the 'death seat' as Vince Lombardi and then Kathys Free set the pace.
Showing a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude, the son of Camluck bullocked his way to a two-metre win from Kathys Free.
Calypso Mistress was a half-neck away third in 1:55.4 over 1720 metres.
"I'm stoked...couldn't be happier," Sandiford said. "That was his fifth start for me and he's got the win on the board.
"He was narrowly beaten a few starts, then had no luck, but this time he made his own.
"I stable with Paul, so he knows the horse, and certainly got the best out of him."
Sandiford co-owns the gelding with his wife, Bernadette, who is affectionately-known as Pommy due to her strangely talking with an English accent as a toddler!
"Pom was having dinner with her sister Mary and had a few shekels on him," Sandiford said. "A couple of blokes heard her say 'I'm going to back my husband's horse', so they put some on him too.
"I haven't had a cent on him and don't like my chances of getting any out of Pom!"
