Flash Of Light Makes McKenna Memorial Group Win Number Three
Champion middle distance chaser Flash Of Light ($2.60f) produced a stellar performance to dominate the final of the McKenna Memorial over 595m at Sandown Park tonight.
She mustered quickly after the jump to assume the lead from Zambola Bale ($4.70) and always looked the winner from that point despite a late charge from recent Group winner Pulp. Her winning time was 34.24.
The win stamped Flash Of Light's impressive 2010 form which has seen her harness the Group 2 Rookie Rebel at The Meadows (600m) and the Group 3 Dawson over the sprint trip at Sandown Park for the training combination of Mark and Lisa Delbridge.
The McKenna series, being run over the new 595m distance for the first time, proved an overwhelming success for the Club with quality heats contributing to a final of the highest calibre.
NSW visitor Pulp ($5.70) proved that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, storming home in the final stages of the race to cut the margin to less than two lengths, despite a horror box draw.
Earlier in the night, the Jason Thompson trained Kay Size produced a sizzling 34.19 win over the 595m trip, further demonstrating the current depth of the middle distance ranks. He dominated the race from start to finish, taking victory by six lengths over the ever-reliable Jarvis Bale for Graeme Bate
After the placed runners the field finished in the following order 4th Philby ($7.10), 5th Smooth Fancy ($6.50), 6th Last Stress ($40.00) 7th Vociferous ($45.70) and 8th Where's Womby ($16.60).
Flash Of Light is Black bitch whelped December '06 she is by Premier Fantasy from Trendy La Maze (Trendy Leigh x Penny La Maze). The Group 2 McKenna Memorial win took her record to 64 starts for 31 wins and 12 placings and prizemoney earnings of $216,670. She is raced by the Auscot Syndicate and trained by Mark Delbridge.
The McKenna Memorial was first run in 1971 and acknowledges the contribution to the Sandown Club by legendary administrator Jack McKenna.
McKenna came to Sandown and took the job of Club secretary in the 1940's from Tatura in central Victoria. He had held the position of secretary of the Tatura Plumpton Coursing Club and he made a major impact after arriving in the city. He was instrumental in the club's advancement in many ways but importantly its move across the railway line and the purchase of the land of the current site.
McKenna's ability as an administrator is still to this day talked about in revenant terms and the sport and particularly Sandown will always be in his debt.
The honour roll listed below of past winners is a classy one it starts with National Distance Champ Saki Dasher trained by Aussie Rules superstar Bob Pratt and finishes with this year's winner Mantra Lad. The list contains some of the best stayers of all time.
McKenna Memorial Honour Roll
- 1971 Saki Dasher
- 1972 Binica
- 1973 Lizrene
- 1974 Audiro
- 1975 La Sierra
- 1976 Bolta's Gift
- 1977 Miss O'Dare
- 1978 Irish Temptress
- 1979 Precious Charm
- 1980 Tarmoor Eagle
- 1981 Leader's Jester
- 1982 Supplier
- 1983 Quick Pulse
- 1984 Sheila's Teresa
- 1985 Doris Lee
- 1986 Plunderer
- 1987 High Intensity
- 1988 Lady Paragon
- 1989 Rules
- 1990 National Honour
- 1991 Pleasure
- 1992 Pace Galore
- 1993 Havadip
- 1994 Minyama
- 1995 Keon Star
- 1996 Wiljaver
- 1997 Sam's Idol
- 1998 Totally Ablaze
- 1999 Kobble Creek
- 2000 Osti's Joker
- 2001 Pearl Larricki
- 2002 Boomeroo
- 2003 Arvo's Junior
- 2004 Arvo's Athena
- 2005 Malfoy
- 2006 Token Arrow
- 2007 Miss Grub
- 2008 Fallen Zorro
- 2009 Mantra Lad
- 2009 Flash Of Light