An innocent trip to White City Stadium which sparked a career spanning over half a century will end on Saturday as Tony Collett sends out his final runners at Central Park Stadium.

The Harvel-based trainer has worked full-time in the sport since 1972 and will hang up his leads for the final time at the Sittingbourne venue where he hopes to achieve one final winner.

Highlights during his extraordinary career include winning the 2009 Greyhound of the Year with Cesarewitch, Grand Prix and Champion Stakes winner Lenson Joker, reaching the English Greyhound Derby final three times and lifting the Kent Derby trophy in 2006 with Carlin Honcho and 2009 with Lenson Bolt.

Collett also met his partner, Cheryl, at Catford Stadium. The couple have lived happily together since, with Cheryl running Croftview Kennels on behalf of the Greyhound Trust where she has homed more than 5,000 retired racers.

Even more extraordinary, Collett’s love for greyhounds started by chance thanks to his uncle Bill Collins, who was supposed to be on babysitting duties for the day.

“We ended up going racing,” said Collett. “I was only a few years old, and Bill adored greyhound racing.

“So, his day looking after me ended up at White City Stadium and I’ve loved the sport since.

“I’ll never forget watching the greyhounds run for the first time - the excitement from the crowd and the dogs, the noise and atmosphere. I was hooked from that moment.

“I used to bunk off school to go and watch the Derby when it was only open to 48 greyhounds, and they would run pre-competition trials to decide which greyhounds would be accepted - great days.

“There’s something special about every greyhound. They’re so friendly and gentle that you can’t not love them.

“I’ve been so lucky in my life. My partner Cheryl has dedicated her life to finding suitable homes for the greyhounds when they retire, and we’ve had some great days at the track, too. I’ll miss it for sure - no doubt about it.”

Collett has already planned a trip to Africa next year with Cheryl to celebrate his retirement.

Days off have been few and far between for the Kent couple since they met, but Collett insisted he wouldn’t change it for the world and reflected on his achievements fondly.

“Lenson Joker is the standout - he was an exceptional greyhound,” he said. “Then there’s Windgap Java, Lenson Express and Kincraig Rory, who all reached the English Greyhound Derby final.

“Whitefort Jim won the Milton Keynes Derby for us in 2001, then there are our Kent Derby winners Carlin Honcho and Lenson Bolt - so many memories. Working with greyhounds means there are no days off, although recently Cheryl and I have managed to fit in a couple of trips to Africa which we’ll be returning to next year.

“It will be emotional on Saturday. But fingers crossed we can sign off with a winner - that would be wonderful.”

Doors open at 5.30pm on Saturday for Collett’s final fixture at Central Park. Tickets can be purchased at centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk/racing