Emerging Trainer Carlin Wendt Eyes Continued Success in Greyhound Racing

Postmans Ridge, Australia – Carlin Wendt is riding a wave of success as a young greyhound trainer, looking to build on his recent victories with new runners on the track. At just 26 years old, Wendt is making strides in the greyhound racing industry, having established his kennel less than a year ago.

Wendt’s kennel, operational since February, currently houses 15 dogs, which he plans to expand to 20 soon. This past month has been particularly fruitful for him, with five winners emerging from his training, three of whom won within a single 48-hour period earlier this month.

On Sunday and Monday, Wendt will send Chill Pill Jill and Akela Long Shot to compete, as he seeks to maintain his momentum. His journey into greyhound training began with his purchase of Zipping Peewee three years ago, a decision that sparked his deeper involvement in the sport.

Zipping Peewee enjoyed a successful racing career, winning 17 races out of 64 attempts, including five at Rockhampton before retiring in late 2023. Wendt reflected on his initial success, stating, “I always seemed to have good success with the dogs that I owned and that made me keep going. It snowballed from there.”

Wendt balances his training endeavors with a job at the renowned Postmans Ridge greyhound facility, managed by veteran trainer John Jeffrey. His expertise was shaped significantly by mentor Ricky Hassall, who trained many dogs Wendt previously owned.

“Ricky trained a lot of dogs that I owned before he moved back to Bundaberg,” Wendt shared. “He told me that he didn’t have kennel space to take my dogs with him, so I decided to give it a spin myself.”

The challenges of starting out were clear to Wendt. “It is tough to start training like I did, but I was blessed to work for people like Ricky and others who have been in the industry for many years,” Wendt said.

With a lifelong passion for greyhounds, his earliest memories date back to age five, watching his grandmother, Helen, train her own kennel. Recent wins by Chill Pill Jill, Lucora, and Super Wine in 48 hours have confirmed Wendt’s training philosophy, with all winning from the four box.

Lucora stands out as Wendt’s top performer this year, earning $16,455 in stakes with six wins and four minor placings. Wendt is optimistic about the upcoming races, particularly Chill Pill Jill, who faces formidable competition trained by Travis Elson and Tom Tzouvelis.

“If Chill Pill Jill comes out well from the red and finds the front, she will run well,” he noted. “Akela Long Shot is coming back from an injury, so he will go up the straight to get some fitness back into him. He is a good dog when he is on, and anything can happen.”