Jamie produces the ‘Rogue’ for a brilliant fresh up win
Peter Fenemor • January 30th, 2026 10:37 AM • 3 min read
The Whanganui Straight Track specialist Loveable Rogue resumed racing on Tuesday in emphatic style when delivering his powerful 17 second victory over the 313m dash.
It was a superb training performance by the Palmerston North based conditioner Jamie Pruden.
Loveable Rogue had been sitting on the sideline for three months as his trainer explains.
“He sprained a toe when galloping in a paddock last October. There was swelling in the toe, so I gave him all the time he needed to recuperate, taking my time to bring him back.
“He has come back as good as he was.”
Loveable Rogue as made the River City straight track his own personal domain. Tuesday’s win was the 24th he has claimed at the venue. He has never missed a podium position, having placed in his other 12 assignments there.
Pruden advises that the defense of his $20,000 Betcha Straight Up Dash title is Loveable Rogue's immediate target.
“Yes, that’s his main aim and I’ll keep him ticking over up the straight until March (24),” confirmed Pruden.
Loveable Rogue is racing up the straight again next Tuesday (Race 5) where he clashes with his littermates Star Boy Express and You Sassy Minx.
Last Tuesday was a surreal moment for Loveable Rogue's breeder and owner Michael Schnider, with the race being named the “Happy Birthday Michael Schnider C5 313m”.
Schnider picked up his charge from the catching pen and proudly placed him on top of the postrace podium.
“It was the best birthday present I could have received. Jamie has done a wonderful job in getting Loveable Rogue back to the races,” advised Schnieder.
The Benali – Sassy Lil Lassy litter bred by Schnieder has produced numerous talented greyhounds.
Aside from Loveable Rogue, other litter members who has enjoyed a fair degree of success includes the Wayne Morris prepared Star Boy Express who has prevailed in 16 races. Wayne and Tracey Steele has produced Chef’s Mate to claim 12 wins.
The nine litter members have won 87 races, placing in another 164 races. Combined, the siblings have accumulated $305,874 in stake earnings.
“I’m very proud and excited to have bred and reared such a successful litter at my first attempt at breeding,” a rightfully delighted Schnider explained.
Pruden’s Manawatu team for today
Jamie Pruden is enjoying a successful current season, mentoring 28 winners so far. He has a team of six greyhounds racing during today’s Manawatu twilight meeting. He kindly updates us on their prospects.
Shim (Race 3): “He suits racing on the big track. He is a good dog who owns box speed. He’s drawn (2) to get early room from where I expect him race on the pace. I have NZ Derby aspirations for him, and I’ll take him up to Cambridge to give him a look at the track up there shortly.”
Thrilling Sammy (Race 6): “I’m dropping him back to 375m sprinting. He recently trialed quickly over the sprint. I would have preferred a wider draw (6).”
Flash Inferno (Race 7): “He ran a really good race last start. He has regained race fitness (after a spell), and he’s drawn to get a nice clear run from trap one.”
Blazing Maeve (Race 8): “He likes drawing out wide (7). I feel he’s a nice chance in that field.”
Millie’s Choice (Race 10): “I’ve decided to return her to 457m racing. Her win here two races ago was good and I reckon she has improved. It’s a tough field, although she’s jumping good and she has drawn (8) where she wants to be.”
Double Please (Race 11): “She races good from out wide. She’s a nice dog who should get a nice run from out there (8). She likes to swoop.”
