The greyhound racing community was in shock and mourning on Sunday after news Wyee trainer Troy Donaldson had died at the age of just 38, not long after celebrating a winner at The Gardens on Saturday night.
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Donaldson won with Bones McCoy at the Sandgate track and was third in another race with Gas Flame. It was believed he died later that night in his sleep.
The father of two was a popular figure in the greyhound racing community and trained his first group 1 winner in January when Oh Mickey took out the National Derby at Wentworth Park.
On Monday, Greyhound Racing NSW issued a statement offer its condolences to the family and friends of Donaldson.
"Troy was one of the new breed of successful young trainers in our industry. I remember his delight when he won the National Derby with Oh Mickey, and he also produced the flying Jet Jackson to win the Young Star on Million Dollar Chase night last year.
"Our hearts, and our thoughts go out to Chrystal and their children Jet and Scarlett, as well as Troy's wider family and vast group of friends both in and out of the industry. It is a very sad and tragic time."
King believes Trekking, King Sumner and Kermadec should all benefit from their winning runs last Monday.
"I know they didn't run flash times last week but they'd never been to the track before so they should improve," King said.
Trekking and Kermadec have box one in races four and five respectively, both over 400m.
"Trekking's in a hard race and Kermadec, he's never had the inside draw, he loves it out wide, so I'm not sure how he's going to handle it," King said.
King Sumner has drawn seven in the last (450m), where he meets kennelmate Scraping By (five).
"I think they'll fight it out together," King said. "Scraping By is probably the better chance. He's more experienced, whereas the other boy is just learning and coming through the ranks."
