This is the first time I've had a pup educated at there and, as I live not far from the old Harold Park in almost the centre of Sydney, I've never been to Sunny Lodge - but I most certainly will when "Rooster" has his final run on Sunday week (fingers crossed).

From the moment "Rooster" was booked in up until today, Sandra has been not only a quick respondent to my emailed questions but has also rung me (as promised) with a progress report on how the young fella's going.

I can't tell you how happy I am with everyone involved with not only the education of Rooster, but also (and especially) to the rearers Jason and Tracey Harmer (Sandra's sister). Jason kept me informed all the way with regular videos and photos my boy from the time he was three months old until going off to school.

It's up to Rooster from here on in, but I absolutely know there is not one greyhound on this planet which has had better rearing or education than my young chap.

The track itself is immaculate in terms of its design, track surface and safety. I understand I'm not saying anything that so many other people already know, but it was all new to me.

It was great to meet the affable Sandra (and husband Chris who drives the lure) who drove the tractor before and in-between trials, and it was especially nice to put a face to names when meeting my boy's breeders and rearers, Jason and Tracey Harmer (and their two young daughters), for the first time.

Jason and Tracey didn't have to be there last Sunday morning (I'm sure they had better things to do) as they live quite a distance from Cudal but I was so glad I got to meet them; and Rooster, for the first time.

The thing that got me the most was that Jas and Trace had a genuine interest in Rooster (and, equally, his brother who also had his last run on Sunday) and asked about what plans were in place for both boy's future so they could follow them.

I hope this doesn't sound like an advert for anyone or any establishment; because it's not.

It's more a way of expressing a "city-boy's" thanks for everything that's been done for me (and Rooster) at a time when I had just about given up after nearly 55 years following, and soon-after, owning our beloved breed in a world that seems to be preoccupied with "doom-and-gloom" stories.

Thanks Jas/Trace/Sandra/Chris.

Up to you now Rooster boy.

Ps- Michael, sorry I didn't respond earlier with their phone number as I didn't know if it would be considered "advertising". Please "pm" me if you still want it, or perhaps the "mods" will let me know if I'm allowed to show it here.

havent got back into racing since ..... maybe this might spark me back into trusting again