Clash Of Kings Wins The 2014 Group Three Darwin Cup
After a dramatic lead-up and eventful race, $2.60 favourite, Clash Of Kings (1) won the 2014 Group Three Darwin Cup at Winnellie Park on Friday night.
A lure malfunction caused an initial delay to the race that required greyhounds to be vetted before all eight were cleared to take their place in the $25,000 to-the-winner event.
When the lids eventually flew, the Stephen Whyte trained son of Fear Zafonic and Queen Lauryn (Token Prince – Cheeky Sprite) made the most of the inside draw to drive up and avoid trouble at the first bend before racing out to a lead.
From that point the 32kg black dog, who qualified fastest in Monday night's heats, was always going to be hard to catch.
Rumbling Rick (2) did the bulk of the chasing in second position but was no match for Clash Of Kings who careered away to score in the slick time of 31.05. Rumbling Rick held on for second while Rumble Street (7) finished the race off strongly to grab third placing.
Clash Of Kings' victory means he has been able to replicate the feat of his mother Queen Lauryn who won the same race just five years ago in 2009.
It was only career start number 10 for the 24-month old dog who has managed to register wins in six of those appearances. The Darwin Cup victory takes Clash Of Kings earnings beyond $30,000.
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