“Crafty” continues with his Manawatu raids
Peter Fenemor • August 26th, 2025 12:33 PM • 4 min read
Canterbury trainer Garry Cleeve is frequently referred to as “Crafty” and he, along with partner Gaylene Turnwald, spend most midweeks making the return trip from their Rangiora kennels to the Manawatu Raceway and back.
Today is no exception with the couple lining up a number of the strong greyhounds that they have bred, own and train.
It is very rare they return home empty-handed; in fact, they have enjoyed a high degree of recent success.
“A lot of our greyhounds are strong finishing types; therefore, they are suited by the big, sweeping Manawatu track. It is about maximizing our opportunities with the time we have available to us. Hence the reason for travelling so much,” explained Cleeve.
Cleeve kindly took time out from his drive north to update us about his team’s prospects this afternoon.
The 2024 South Island Champs winner Jay Walker ($2.40 & $1.16 – TAB Fixed) is resuming from a five-month spell. “Jay Walker is my best prospect. He trialed over 295m in 17.07 last week, which was very pleasing.
“Know Expense’s ($4.50 & $1.55) first preference was a 660m race. He is a good, older greyhound who will keep on trying. Know Defence ($4.60 & $1.55) is returning after having some issues. He has been trialing and after he gets a couple of runs under his belt, we will step him back up to 700m racing,” advised Cleeve.
Priority ($2.60 & $1.22) is the Cleeve representative in the All The News At Trackside C5 375m sprint (Race 9). He is returning to the venue following his strong 21.19-win last Tuesday.
“Priority has a real liking for the track there. I prefer him racing there as he gets away from the Addington 295m speeders. I expect him to be competitive again,” suggested Cleeve.
Cleeve’s day is completed with three contenders in The Pavemaster’s Ltd C5 457m event (Race 10). The trio of inform runners True Ability ($2.35 & $1.16), Charley Horse ($6.50 & $1.70) and Yuki ($3 & $1.24) have all developed a strong affinity with the Manawatu track.
“True Ability is a strong dog who is suited to the one turn track. He rates as a top chance from his good draw (2).
“Charley Horse was sensational in the way he won over 457m (25.57) here two races ago. He backed that up with his solid last week 660m second there.
“Yuki looks to be our main prospect for the later Restricted Age races. He is a promising, exciting young greyhound who won over 457m (25.80) nicely there two weeks ago,” added Cleeve.
Cleeve and Turnwald have also picked up bonuses along the way. Each meeting the Palmerston North club randomly draws a trainer’s name from the list of trainers with runners engaged at the meeting.
The drawn trainer then nominates who they consider is their best winning prospect and if that greyhound wins the trainer receives a $1,000 bonus.
Cleeve’s name was drawn for the 15 August Manawatu meeting. He nominated Yuki and he duly obliged.
The Christchurch club runs a similar promotion, and the previous evening Cleeve was also the trainer drawn, resulting in his nominated contender Stuck Throttle winning, earning Cleeve a $800 bonus!
This week sees the milage and ferry sailings significantly ramping up as the couple will catch the 8.30pm Cook Straight sailing tonight, getting back to Rangiora at around 6am tomorrow.
Thursday afternoon they repeat the dose all over again, this time traveling north to contest Friday’s heats for the Group 1 Wanganui Cup at the Hatrick Raceway with their proven open class greyhounds Stuck Throttle and Zestful.
“Both of them raced good at Hatrick last season. Both of them are in solid form, although unfortunately their draws are not the best,” advised Cleeve. “I expect them to be competitive.
“Yes, it will be nice to get home on Saturday to have a rest up!”
And from next week, Cleeve’s workload will also increase with Gaylene, along with her sister Angela, travelling for a six-week tour around Europe.
“Gaylene hasn’t been to Europe before and with Angela’s daughter Courtney now living in England, it is a great opportunity for them all to catch up.
“I’ll stay at home looking after the racing team,” chuckled Crafty.
