Trainer Tuesday - Peter Heterick

Peter Heterick wasn’t always a greyhound trainer, he grew up around horses. Always involved in racing, with his dad, uncle and grandfather all being jockeys. Peter’s grandfather won the 1st Singapore Golden cup in 1924! So what made him switch from gallops to greys?

During covid lockdown Peter brought home his first winner as a trainer, Zoe Star. Who has since whelped a litter of pups for Peter. Peter was keen on all racing codes and the second he received his handlers license he fell in love. Ross and Lynn Udy trained a few dogs for Peter, before they encouraged Peter to train himself. During the past few years of becoming a trainer Peter has experienced some awesome milestones within his career, such as: Zoe Star winning the ‘Royal Commission Sprint’ on ‘Silver Collar Day’ in 2022. He also received a thrilling first treble with Side Eye Sally, Quetzal Bale, and Big Time Key in 2023.

Peter’s day starts at 6:30am, where he takes all the dogs for a walk and will put some in the paddock for a good run at 9:30/10. Peter then spends some hours working on the farm before starting on the afternoon work. Peter will ultrasound and massage most of his hounds ensuring they are ready for any up and coming races. Then it’s time for the afternoon toilets and feeding before allowing the hounds to get some beauty sleep. On a Tuesday and Thursday Peter gets help from owners Shane and Stacey McCarthy. Stacey also helps Peter at Sunday races. Peter’s team tends to race once a week on a Sunday at Manukau, with the occasional Thursday race meeting at Waikato.

Peter used to help out at RTR North before they relocated, assisting to transport dogs to and from the Veterinary specialist. Peter admires the RTR North team and the hard work they dedicate to the dogs and the industry. Peter also admires Tracey and Lisa Craik, “they work so hard to get good results”. “Ross Udy has helped me a lot, he’s shown me a lot”. Peter is grateful for the advice and help he has received from other participants in the industry.

Between Peter’s team of 12 hounds, litter of 4 month old pups, and full time job on the farm he doesn’t have much time on his hands. However, when he does he enjoys some fishing and a game of golf. Peter enjoys what he does and looks forward to what the road may lead towards.