Gunnadoo Magic’s Historic Back To Back Maidment Memorial Win
Sent out a $2.30 favourite by punters, Gunnadoo Magic established a clear break going into the first turn, and never really looked in doubt despite late charges from the Rocky Crisafi trained Franklin Darky ($8.70) and Britton kennelmate Kulu Spirit ($7.30).
Gunnadoo Magic has been racing in career best form so far in 2009 it was her fifth straight win and second Group success after taking out the Group 3 West End Distance Title at Angle Park in Adelaide on January the 8th. The Blue bitch raced consistently at the top level throughout 2008 making no less than 11 group finals and winning her connections over $184,000 in prizemoney.
Time for the final was a quick 42.37 with slits of 6.10, 15.82 and 30.78. It was slower than last year win in a fast 42.17 the second quickest win on record just outside the race standard of 42.10 set by Arvo's Junior in 2004.
The $25,000 to the winner Group 2 Maidment Memorial is the first of an exciting season of staying events at Sandown Park and The Meadows. The next major is the Group 2 Zoom Top invitational at the Meadows on February 14 followed by the Australian Stayers Trophy, a Group 1 decided on February 21 and 28 as part of the M.G.R.A. Australian Cup Carnival. Then in April Sandown host the Group 3 Lizrene Classic as a lead up event to the Group 1 Radio Sport 927 Sandown Cup worth $100,000 to the winner on May 14th.
After the placed runners the field finished in the following order 4th Ima Drifter ($9.10), 5th Dana Lou Lou ($10.20), 6th Phil's Mate ($11.10) 7th Which Wabbit ($31.70) and Others Quoted ($17.50).
Gunnadoo Magic is raced by Ben Howe and trained by Rob Britton while in Victoria, she is a blue bitch whelped February '05 by Token Prince from Go Shoopa (Awesome Assassin x Terrific Time). Her career stats stand at 64 starts for 26 wins and 18 placings and with the first prize of $25,000 for the Maidment Memorial took her prizemoney earnings to $230,805.
The Group 2 final pays tribute to the memory of Roy Maidment who, in 1933, became the Secretary of the National Coursing Association. One of his greatest achievements was the part he played in the formation of the Australian and New Zealand Greyhound Association in 1937 and the subsequent production of our Greyhound Stud Book. He was Secretary of the Association from its inception until 1965. Roy Maidment was Secretary of the first Greyhound Racing Control Board and assisted the Board inlaying the foundation for conduct of a sport that has such a strong following today.
The Maidment Memorial was first run in 1972 but prior to that year was known as the New Years Handicap, Gift and Stake. First conducted in 1957, it has always been run over the long distance.
Listed below is the honour roll of past winners included those known that won the New Years Handicap, Gift or Stake.
Maidment Memorial Honour Roll
- 1957 Red Salmon
- 1959 Montgrove Special
- 1961 Sprig O'Heather
- 1962 Lady Cantee
- 1963 Lady Cantee
- 1964 Shan's Blossom
- 1965 Rare Grand
- 1966 Kewin
- 1967 Charlie Lee
- 1968 Lyrette
- 1969 Fawn Roamer
- 1970 Delacombe Boy
- 1971 Miss Kewin
- 1972 Bubbles' Luck
- 1973 He's Some Boy
- 1974 Rellarena
- 1975 Rellarena
- 1976 Bolta's Gift
- 1977 Del Bairn Babe
- 1978 Mariner's Joy
- 1979 Vanadium
- 1980 Collis Queen
- 1981 Earth Humour
- 1982 Lone Voice
- 1983 The Gallows
- 1984 Cee Mee Lass
- 1985 Innocent Man
- 1986 Club Stroller
- 1987 Stock Agent
- 1988 High Intensity
- 1989 High Intensity
- 1990 Magic Stroller
- 1991 Magic Stroller
- 1992 Judy Takair
- 1993 Saltwater Sid
- 1994 Kennel Master
- 1995 Accolade
- 1996 Favoured Spirit
- 1997 Tassie Park
- 1998 Tonight's Wish
- 1999 Feel The Magic
- 2000 Kobble Creek
- 2001 Fairy Wings
- 2002 Jedi Lightsabre
- 2003 Oh Behave
- 2004 Arvo's Junior
- 2005 Last Quoted
- 2006 Mid City Mandy
- 2007 Miss Grub
- 2008 Gunnadoo Magic
- 2009 Gunnadoo Magic
I think Gunnadoo Magic is the koolest!!!!