Brendan Lines
October 12, 2015
S.A Greyhound Racing
Above: Rob Harnas with Zafonic Grace
TWO years ago trainer Rob Harnas’ Lewiston property was destroyed by fire in a near tragic event that saw he, his family and greyhounds escape alive.
Left with only the clothes on his back, it has been a true triumph over adversity to rebuild his property and re-establish his place in the greyhound winners’ circle.
Harnas described the chilling experience as something he would not wish upon anyone; the sudden realisation that everything he owned was gone was a ‘surreal’ feeling, and a reminder for him to never again take things for granted.
Harnas made no surprise admissions in outlining that full-time training is a demanding game.
Following the loss of his property, he considered ending his affiliation with greyhound racing, but with the support of his family and love for the sport he decided to keep going.
Getting back to racing was part of the recovery to move on from the fire.
Racing has been part of his family since the early 1980s.
He is well-supported by his wife, Tricia, who assists amongst full-time work commitments, and also his two young sons Jackson and Samuel.
Harnas rebuilt a new house for the family and a 14-kennel facility for his team of greyhounds.
This year he has produced 17 winners from the new Lewiston facility, the most recent coming from his maiden winner Zafonic Grace, which stormed home in race three on the Gawler program at Angle Park.
Harnas believes that upon receiving her from the
Adelaide syndicate owners it has helped her mature in confidence as a race dog.
His ability to recognise a dog’s potential has, over time, seen him approached by syndicates to take on their training duties.
In the case of Zafonic Grace, she first came to the Lewiston property some 16 months ago and, despite being a little slow to start with, has showed improvements.
With his property rebuilt, and family now settled in, Harnas could not be happier – Zafonic Grace’s win means there are “no complaints from his corner”.
In other greyhound news, Gawler favourite Aarte Verhoufe’s Cash or Credit has been unfazed by the change of venue, coming home first, in race 11 last Tuesday, six lengths ahead of Uno Oscar, for Christopher Jaensch, of Merbein, and Jarrad Murray’s Cosmic Wild.
Gawler racing returns to Angle Park next Tuesday.
For more information go to gawlergreyhounds.com.au
Grandprixnet.com 