Whitney & Board Dominate Chairmans Cup Final
Saturday September 6 saw exciting heats of the Tedesco Menswear Chairman's Cup at headquarters over the testing 720 metres. Trainers Shane Whitney who returned from Tasmania following his tilt at the National Distance title the week earlier and Greg Board who made a shorter trip from Orange contested with two dogs each.
In the first heat Shane contested with Fallen Zorro which ran third to Mantra Lad in the National Distance Final while Greg lined up the talented and versatile Varvatos. Both dogs did not feature up front early but soon worked into the race nicely with Varvatos surging to the lead on the turn to win impressively by 1 length from Fallen Zorro, with Fancy Penny trained by Ann Barnes after having most of the lead was 5 ½ lengths away in third. Lalie, in fourth place also qualified for the final. The winner's time was a creditable 42.86 after a day of rain.
Shane Whitney ably supported by his dad Gavin returned to Tasmania last week without the National Distance Championship Crown but were all smiles to have taken over Miagi's crown as the 720 metres track record holder when Chinatown Lad ran a sizzling 41.93 in the first race on National night. From box 7 in the second heat Chinatown Lad was never worse than second and soon led with Greg Board's Spring Belle chasing hard. They raced in this order most of the way with Chinatown Lad never looking in danger to win by 2 ½ lengths – Greg was happy nonetheless as his dog took good ground off the winner in the run home. Octane Al for trainer Caroline Reinke ran third 1 ¾ lengths further back after chasing the first two most of the way. Double Trouble in fourth place also qualified for the final for trainer Rose Pringle.
It will be a surprise if Shane Whitney or Greg Board are not on the winner's dais for the final and it promises to be a great contest.
The NSW GBOTA would like to thank sponsor Tedesco's of Castle Hill, renowned for their menswear, tailoring and formal wear business. Tedesco do a wonderful job outfitting the handlers for the GBOTA's feature races and go to no end of trouble to ensure the highest standards of presentation and fit.
The Tedesco Team of Nick and Mary, Joe and Robert and the rest of the family will be the Association's special guests for the final. Their commitment to serving the Association is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.