Local Trainer Scores Mackay’s Last Mackay Cup
Tears flowed at a fitting Mackay Cup finale at the showgrounds yesterday.
Mackay trainer Rebecca Frederickson wiped away tears as her dog Midnight Mumma came from behind to relegate hot favourite Farmor Enforcer to third and give her her first and only Mackay Cup.
Brisbane visitor Red Aces, trained by Amber Boody, was second in what will be the last John Carroll Retravision Mackay Cup.
The Queensland Greyhound Racing Board has ordered the closure of the Mackay club, which will have only one more meeting on Thursday night, June 25.
Greyhounds have raced at the showgrounds since 1984, and club president Nev Jackson said yesterday it was a very fitting end to an era.
“It's very fitting and pleasing that the final Mackay Cup should be a big win to Rebecca Frederickson's Midnight Mumma,” he said.
Midnight Mumma is Frederickson's only dog, although she assists her husband Paul with others.
The two had a big day, with Paul's dog Mulberry Pie winning its first Maiden 1000.
The two have only three race dogs left after retiring several with injuries, but are looking to continue racing at Townsville and Rockhampton after the Mackay club is closed down.
Paul said another Mackay trainer, Barbara Sam, had indicated she would also be travelling to race at the other centres.
“A few people say they're going to keep at it,” he said.
“We usually get six races a week so there's probably about 40 dogs racing at the moment, but if you took into account the others working up or out injuried, there'd probably be 100 here.
“We're going down to race in Rockhampton in the Young Guns on the 15th, but we'll be back for the last meeting here on the 25th.”
Courtesy : Charlie Payne, Mackay Daily Mercury