Faheys clinch 11th New Zealand Cup title with One Hot Bandit
Champion greyhound trainers Dave and Jean Fahey secured their 11th Group 1 New Zealand Cup title on Thursday night as One Hot Bandit delivered a commanding performance at Addington Raceway.
The top online bookmakers had the three-year-old as a $1.90 favourite, which led from start to finish in the 525-metre feature, clocking a swift 30.01 seconds and winning by two lengths.
2024 New Zealand Cup Race Replay – One Hot Bandit (30.01)
The Fahey’s also dominated the evening by claiming the quinella in the Group 1 Galaxy Sprint Final (295m), with Opawa Marsh edging out kennelmate Very Rarely in another impressive display of the duo’s training prowess.
One Hot Bandit, starting from box three, showcased his talent and adaptability after only two races in New Zealand.
He surged ahead early and maintained control throughout the race, holding off Let Him Cook, trained by Matt Roberts, who finished second from box two.
Johnny Football, trained by Lisa Cole, claimed third place, just half a length behind the runner-up.
The NZ Cup victory adds to the Faheys’ illustrious list of champions, including Rockabye Lad and Opawa Superstar.
Following this triumph, the Fahey’s are set to target the Group 1 Spion Rose at Wanganui next month, with One Hot Bandit poised to continue undefeated form in New Zealand.