Twenty-one years since his last entry at the home of racing in NSW, Curtale described the evening as extremely special.

He partnered with his brother Geoff close to three months ago, and the duo have built a small but talented kennel.

“The last dog I raced in the city was 1995, she came third,” Mick Curtale said.

“This is my biggest thrill as a trainer. The best thing is I got to do it with my brother, my best mate. He’s won half a dozen down there but it’s easily my biggest thrill.”

After negotiating the heat at Dubbo last week, Tango’s Express drew kindly in box three for the $2800-to-the-winner final.

Curtale said he was confident of Tango’s Express’s ($7) ability, but was concerned by the early speed of the dog in box one, Just Like Jazz ($6.10).

Tango’s Express avoided some early traffic and beat Just Like Jazz to the rail at the first bend, then chased down Queen Taro ($3.90) who had gunned to an early lead.

The winning margin was three and a half lengths. Being the 9.30pm race, Curtale said they seriously thought about scratching, something he’s hugely thankful they didn’t proceed with.

“My phone rang off the hook all night, you would have thought we’d just won the Golden Easter Egg.

“With everything that’s happened in the industry, to know you have the respect of your fellow trainers, it means a lot.”

Along with Tango’s Express, the Curtale’s have Milko’s Magic and Spring Bobbi to make up their three greyhound kennel.

Both Tango’s Express and Milko’s Magic were under the care of prominent Cowra trainers Pamela and Paul Braddon, who sold them when the now defunct ban was announced.

Curtale explained how grateful he is to the Braddons.

“If Mike Baird hadn’t announced the ban they potentially wouldn’t have sold them,” Curtale said.

“We’re going alright, ticking along well with them.” 

Curtale hinted at another appearance at Wentworth Park next Wendesday but couldn’t confirm where their next race will be.