Community & Business
8 June, 2023
Veteran greyhound trainer still loves his dogs
Gerard Bowe may have been training greyhounds for more years than he can remember, and will say that he is losing interest in the training routine, but admits he still loves spending time with his greyhounds.
Born and raised in Clifton Gerard and his wife Lavella run the Clifton Post Office and he has worked in the Queensland postal service since the age of 16.
His love of greyhound racing was inherited from his father, who Gerard says was a very good trainer.
Now at 73, he admits the work of training his dogs has lost some appeal and is quick to credit his nephew, Justin Bowe, as relieving him from the work associated with training his dogs for the races.
A visit to Gerard’s kennels near Spring Creek, however, clearly shows he has lost none of his caring attitude for the dogs as the kennels are maintained in excellent condition and the dogs are obviously well cared for and loved.
Narkunda is the name of Gerard’s current dog in training and he returned recently from a big $10,000 race in Bundaberg where he ran a credible third.
Justin made the trip to Bundaberg with Narkunda and his own greyhound Live Stream while Gerard was able to stay in Clifton.
Justin and Gerard appear to be a good team with Justin’s help and enthusiasm allowing Gerard to keep involved in the sport he has loved for over forty years.
Sitting quietly in Gerard’s kennels are five beautiful black fourteen months old pups that will soon begin their racing careers.
Four of the pups are from the same litter bred by Gerard while Justin also owns some pups from the litter.
No doubt the hope that one of them may be a champion is the dream that all trainers have and this dream is likely to keep Gerard involved in greyhounds just a bit longer.
Hobby trainers keep the sport of greyhound racing alive and owner/trainers such as Gerard and Justin are always hoping that one of the young pups they raise can one day win a big race.
