Tamica Dunn lands first winner as Breeder/Trainer
Training a winner is one thing, but being able to breed your own dog and have it win is something special and on Saturday at Angle Park, trainer/breeder Tamica Dunn got to experience that feeling, as her home bred dog Ziggy Wahwah knocked off her maiden. Lining up in an early morning maiden, she was able to leave the boxes nicely before powering away in the home straight to lead all the way. Her mum - Nippa Wahwah, wasn’t necessarily known for her early speed during her 82 start, 6 win career.
The litter itself has 5 members (3 dogs & 2 bitches), all of which are trained by Tamica, with just two of them hitting the race track at this stage.
“Michael (Tamica’s partner) was asked if we would be interested in breeding from her (Nippa Wahwah) and training the pups. She is a younger half sister to Gun Mcbain (who’s record speaks for itself) and we were lucky enough that Raye Kelly helped us out with a spring gun straw to use.” - Tamica Dunn
Most of the litter is owned by the PNU syndicate which is managed by legendary SANFL footballer, Gary Mcintosh who was a dual Magary Medalist for Norwood. Gary had an association with Nippa Wahwah when she was racing, so now plays a key role in this litter.
“All the ‘Wahwahs’ are owned by the PNU syndicate and Chequered Copper is owned by me.”
“They are a very immature litter and I’ve had a lot of trouble with them. The main one being they wouldn’t go past the semaphore board at Murray Bridge. It’s been a constant two steps forward, three teps back with them all. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of hands on help from Michael, Bryan Sebastyan and Todd and Pam Gray, and several other trainers have offered some advice and tips which I’m extremely grateful for. “
And just how it felt for Tamica to get a winner from the first litter she has bred?
“RELIEF! I burst into tears.”
Nippa Wahwah has gone back to Gary and Tamica will be looking to breed again in future.
“At this stage the bitch has gone back to Gary. I have another litter (Brute Bernard X Everlasting Gaze) just back from the breakers and at this stage we will wait until our new shed is built before I breed anymore.”
Photo: Ziggy Wahwah as a baby