Jay Is Jay scores an emotional Million Dollar Chase family win
Jay Is Jay headed south to fly the flag for Queensland in the 2023 Million Dollar Chase (MDC) and saluted with a huge performance to bring home the $1,000,000 top prize in the MDC Final at Wentworth Park on Friday night.
After running the fastest qualifying time in the October 13 semi-final, the Mick and Selena Zammit-trained track star was sent to the 520m boxes paying +210 with top online greyhound bookmakers.
Trans-Tasman star chaser Postman Pat started as the +140 race favourite but did not have what it took to match it with Jay Is Jay in the run.
At box rise, the field jumped, with Cumbria Kid ($19) getting out to lead from box one, as Postman Pat moved through to sit second.
Jay Is Jay, who had half missed the start, hit the trigger and booted through on the inside rail, showing the turn of foot expected from the Albion Park track record holder.
After setting the pace in the 2023 Million Dollar Chase semi-finals, there was going to be no catching Jay Is Jay once he found the front.
He stormed across the finish line, beating Cumbria Kid by 0.5 lengths in 29.76, with Postman Pat finishing in third.
2023 Million Dollar Chase – Jay Is Jay (29.76) T: Selena Zammit
Jay Is Jay's road to the 2023 Million Chase title wasn't without it's hiccups.
The Zammit family tried to qualify Jay Is Jay through the MDC Grafton regional final but could only finish fourth in the final, missing the much-needed MDC semi-final spot.
Trainer Selena Zammit said, “I told Michael if he can't even finish third at Grafton how can he win the final at Wentworth Park?”
However, the Zammit's “slept on it” and decided to implement “Plan B” and attempt to qualify Jay Is Jay through the MDC city qualifiers.
Jay Is Jay won his second start at the Wentworth Park 520m on September 30, winning his MDC City Qualifier in 29.73, beating home Flash As Joe to qualify for the final the following week.
In the MDC semi-final, Jay Is Jay went even faster, smashing his previous best time clocking 29.45 and stamping his ticket to the $1,000,000-to-the-winner feature as the fastest finalist.
Jay Is Jay is named in honour of Selena Zammit's late father and very popular Queensland greyhound trainer, Jeff Jones.
The fawn dog is owned by Selena's mother, Lillian.
Jones raced and trained Jay Is Jay's dam Kealoah, and on his passing, the bitch was transferred to Lillian.
Selena Zammit was straight on the phone to mother Lillian post-race, leaving husband and co-trainer Mick Zammit to do the talking.
“It's just unbelievable.
“I'm just so proud of the dog.
“He had to do it tough, and he showed plenty of grit tonight. 
“To be the first Queenslander to win such a big race carries extra significance.
“It's hard to put into words what I'm feeling right now.
“We came here three weeks ago really hoping, and we're walking away tonight winning a million dollars.
“I've been in the sport for a long time, but this is the best moment by far,” said Zammit.
The Sennachie x Kealoah dog will now head home to Willow Vale, having amassed $1,316,250 in prize money from 34 starts in which he has won 18 and placed in a further eight.
Jay Is Jay adds the 2023 Million Dollar Chaser to his 2023 Group 2 Queensland Derby title.
Cumbria Kid ran the race of his life at odds to finish second for Nowra trainer Steve Fitch.
Postman Pat lost no admirers, finishing third, and trainer Jason Thompson was proud of his effort.
“I thought he was brave again.
“He didn't miss the start, but he lost a couple of lengths in the run, and he was only beaten one and a half”, said Thompson.
2023 Million Dollar Chase
2023 Million Dollar Chase Results Wentworth Park 520m $1,000,000 to-the-winner Friday, October 13, 2023 29.76
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| 1st |
2 Jay Is Jay
T: Selena Zammit 29.76 – $1,000,000 +210
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| 2nd |
1 Cumbria Kid
T: Steve Fitch 29.79 0.5 lengths $100,000 +1800
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| 3rd |
3 Postman Pat
T: Jason Thompson 29.86 1.5 lengths $45,000 +160
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| 4th |
7 One Hot Bandit
T: Andy Lord 29.91 2.0 lengths +500
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| 5th |
4 Bella Una
T: Ray Smith 30.04 4.0 lengths +1800
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| 6th |
8 Yachi Bale
T: Mark Delbridge 30.16 5.75 lengths +1800
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| 7th |
5 Has Ability
T: Stuart Hazlett 30.26 7.0 lengths +3300
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| 8th |
6 Tinker Norm
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