By Mark Stephens

Wayne Vassallo, recently crowned the 2002 Rookie Greyhound Trainer of the Year, has shown that passion, devotion and sheer hard work can reap substantial rewards in the greyhound world. His steady rise to prominence as a respected trainer demonstrates the adage "the harder you work, the luckier you are."

Introduced to greyhounds initially through his father and uncle, Wayne was a regular at the Sandown Greyhounds while still at school.

Making many friends in the industry and developing a reputation as a future race caller and ruthless punter, Wayne found himself consumed by the industry. It soon became a passion he knew he wanted to pursue.

One photo that will always remain a favourite is of his first greyhound, Ginger's Ace, saluting the judge at Sandown. This early success made Wayne hungrier for more.

After finishing high school Wayne was lucky to gain invaluable experience working with leading trainers Tom and George Dailly.

Not only did he learn more about training greyhounds but also how to manage the huge operation that is the Dailly property at Anakie.

This included over a hundred greyhounds in work with more to be reared and broken in - as well as the operation of a public trial track.

"Moving out of home and working up to 18 hours a day six or seven days a week was a shock to the system," Wayne told On Course, "but I was doing something I loved and knew it would be worth the effort."

The hard work paid off with many successes both on the racetrack and in the betting ring. Champion greyhounds such as Star of Mine and Cape Drina made numerous Group One finals including the Melbourne Cup, Australian Cup and Golden Easter Egg.

Performers like these had the Daillys contending with 14 times winner Graeme Bate for numerous trainer of the year honours.

With plenty of 'inside information' Wayne became well known for his punting feats. He has the ability to keep quiet about what he knows and is not one to show off about his exploits. Wayne's ruthless pursuit of the dollar often had bookmakers trembling.

One of the bigger plunges he pulled off was actually on a trotter whom he part owned with a group of greyhound trainers. "Barcode" was purchased in mid-2000 from New Zealand and under the guidance of good friend Jamie Ennis, he made his debut at Moonee Valley on Melbourne Cup Eve.

Reportedly flying, Wayne and the other owners pounced on the $8 quote. Amongst roars from the grandstand, Barcode put his nose in front on the line (after sitting three wide for the trip) and the syndicate had taken the best part of $60,000 from the betting ring. The only casualty being one part owner who was accidentally punched in the nose by Wayne after he triumphantly raised his fist after the race!

Over the past 15 months Wayne has worked with another of the younger trainers – Jason Thompson at Awesome Lodge, Cranbourne. A different operation than the Dailly's Jason trains no more than 15 greyhounds at a time which allows him to focus more on quality over quantity.

Further to being a training establishment, Awesome Lodge also houses some of the best stud greyhounds in the country – Awesome Assassin, Light Of Fire, No Intent and Fool's Heart just to name a few.

Wayne has learned another facet of the game since working with Thompson. "Jason proves that you don't need heaps of dogs to be successful," he said, "he puts so much into each one that they are always placed well and racing at their best."

Although very busy, Wayne does enjoy his time away from the track. Quiet by nature and happy to enjoy relaxing activities, such as golf, he also knows how to mix it with the best when the sun goes down. Owing to his Maltese background he has been known to "open the shirt buttons and put on the chains," happy to move like a young John Travolta! He also keeps a keen eye on the stock market and is always looking to invest after a good night's punting.

Working with Thompson has allowed Wayne to build up his own successful kennel with a similar focus on quality. The most experienced greyhound in his kennel is the previously unwanted Spanish Dude. At over five years of age, he has amassed just under $60,000 in prizemoney since incurring the wrath of stewards and transferring to Wayne's kennel.

Other city winners include American Dream, Black Nitrous, Select Fire, Night In Georgia and Raindrop Raider, all of whom helped Wayne become the most successful young trainer in 2002 - the culmination of a decade of experience.

"Working with people who do what they can to help, and who want to see you succeed, gives me the opportunity to continually get better at what I do," Wayne said.

Perhaps more importantly he holds the respect of his peers both as a person and as a greyhound trainer. Wayne's hard work is paying off now and his future looks rosy in the industry he most wants to be in.

VITAL STATS:
Date of Birth: 14/06/1979.
Favourite football club: Collingwood.
Other interests: Golf, trotters.
Favourite song: Creeping up Slowly, Matchbox 20.
Favourite band: The Eagles.
Likes: Work, money.
Dislikes: Short odds, cold weather.
I would most like to meet…John Size, René Rivkin, Sammi Lucas.
Greatest racing moment: Plunge on Biblical Boy (6/1-6/4)