Cruising Debbie rockets to victory in Sandown’s Launching Pad Final
In a show of speed and determination, up-and-coming talent Cruising Debbie clinched victory in the $220,000 Group 3 Launching Pad final (515m) at Sandown Park on Thursday evening, earning a $150,000 prize for her trainer, Brendan Pursell.
Taking off from the box 4 starting position, Cruising Debbie led the race for its entirety, leaving her competitors trailing behind, not only claiming the lucurative $150,000 but also raising funds for the Royal Children's Hospital through the GRV Good Friday Appeal.
With a burst of pace, she crossed the finish line 1.46L as the $20.30 outsider with the leading greyhound bookmakers, ahead of South Australia's Peaky Boo, with On High Alert securing third place just 0.15L behind.
2024 Launching Pad Final Race Replay – Cruising Debbie (1st)
Bred and owned by Nullawarre greyhound racing stalwarts Joy and Ashley McDowall, Cruising Debbie has now notched up eight wins out of 22 races, including three victories in her four outings at Sandown Park.
Her total earnings have surged to an impressive $197,440.
Pursell expressed his astonishment and happiness at the result, recognising Cruising Debbie's performance and unwavering resolve.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the Launching Pad race format and hinted at potential participation in the Geelong Cup due to its favourability for front-running greyhounds.
The star-studded event at Sandown Park also saw notable accomplishments.
Correy Grenfell achieved the win in the $42,875 G3 Easter Gift (515m) race, with Orli Bale and Ike Bale coming in second, while Tom Dailly also clinched the quinella victory in the $36,500 Launching Pad Consolation (515m) event, with Ethanol Volume and Zelda Chaos.
Additionally, Dailly triumphed in the $22,000 Launching Pad Runway (515m) with Oregon Durant.