Courtney Barnes celebrates first group win in Summer 600 final
Zipping Chaplin delivered a dazzling performance to claim the Group 3 Summer 600 Final at Gosford, giving trainer Courtney Barnes her first Group victory.
The brindle son of Feral Franky and Zipping Truvy showcased his strength and race sense, navigating early traffic before surging to victory in 34.18 over 603m as the $1.70 favourite with the the top greyhound bookmakers.
It was a well-deserved breakthrough for both the dog and his trainer, who has been knocking on the door of a major win.
Gosford Group 3 Summer 600 Race Replay – Zipping Chaplin (34.18)
Post-race, Barnes was ecstatic to finally land a feature victory, acknowledging the milestones she has reached in her relatively short training career.
“I’m stoked about that,” she said.
“He’s an awesome dog,” she added.
“Some of his runs, he’s just been unlucky, but I know he’s got the potential. He’s a strong little runner, and we know if the field pans out the way he needs it to, then yeah, he’s in with a good chance.”
Barnes, who has spent years working with leading trainer Melinda Finn before branching out on her own, reflected on how much she has learned in recent times.
“Yeah, a lot of milestones over the last couple of years, but yeah, still learning a lot,” she said.
“I actually enjoy being hands-on with them. And, yeah, I’ve got a big soft spot for Chaplin.
He’s got a beautiful nature, and to see him win tonight, that was pretty awesome.”
Zipping Chaplin’s win was dominant despite a slow start, with his strong mid-race move proving decisive.
He overcame a five-length deficit heading into the back straight, taking full advantage of a clear inside run to surge past Gets Late Early and power away to victory.
His form has been impeccable, with this win marking his third in his past five starts.
The victory adds to his already impressive record of 22 wins and $175,000 in prize money.
As for what’s next, Barnes ruled out stepping him up to 700m for the Association Cup, instead eyeing a tilt at the lucrative Country Classic at Dubbo.
“I probably wouldn’t say over 700,” she said.
“Yeah, probably go for the Country Classic over at Dubbo, but I don’t think the 700 would be for him.”
And with that, Barnes is set for a well-earned break.
“I gotta do a sneaky little family trip.
Sometimes life gets a bit hectic, so we’re putting down the tools and going away with the family for a little while.”
It was a moment to savour for Barnes and Zipping Chaplin’s connections, with the promising stayer now poised for bigger races in the coming months.
Gosford Summer 600 Final 2025 Results
2025 Summer 600 Final ResultsGosford 603m Group 3 $25,000 to-the-winner Saturday, February 8, 2025
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| 1st |
2 Zipping Chaplin
T: Courtney BarnesTime: 34.18Margin:
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| 2nd |
7 Gets Late Early
T: Minnie FinnTime: 34.35Margin: 2.25 Lengths
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| 3rd |
8 West Rock Casey
T: Mary HughesTime: 34.52Margin: 4.75 Lengths
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| 4th |
1 Blazing Raso
T: Blake MoroneyTime: 34.52Margin: 4.75 Lengths
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| 5th |
6 Nangar Rocket
T: Dennis BarnesTime: 34.68Margin: 7.00 Lengths
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6th |
4 Nangar Gypsy
T: Dennis BarnesTime: 34.78Margin: 8.50 Lengths
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| 7th |
3 Make Them Cry
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| 8th |
5 Screaming Violet
T: Gregory SutherlandTime: 35.53Margin: 19.25 Lengths
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