Lochinvar Marlow Sets Rock Energy Drinks Paws of Thunder Final Alight
A midst the rain on Saturday night at Wentworth Park there was a flash of brilliance for all to witness as Lochinvar Marlow claimed winning honours in the Group 1 Rock Energy Drink Paws of Thunder, bagging $100,000 for his efforts.
Prepared by Robert Smith, the Bombastic Shiraz x Sensation Lee black dog, made the most of the red box, stepping well, to open up a strong lead at the first turn and shoot away to win in 29.90.
The Group 1 NCA event has been supported by the GBOTA since taking over racing at Wentworth Park, the result however ensured there was plenty for the NCA to celebrate.
Saturday night retained plenty of NCA influence with Directors track side to enjoy the event as well as make the presentation to trainer Robert Smith from the Hunter Valley, and owner Clare Gordon, the Promotion and Marketing Co-ordinator for the NSW National Coursing Association.
Gordon emotional trackside in accepting the trophy, thanking Robert Smith for his training efforts, which led to the sensational Rock Energy Drinks Paws of Thunder title win, returning $5.40 for punters who stuck with the box one starter.
Victorian trainer Darren Brown claiming both minor placings with litter brothers Cosmic Planet (second from box 7) and Cosmic Chief (third from box 5), securing a combined $37,500 for their efforts.
The feature final supported by $10,000 “The Collerson”, a race originally hosted by the NCA, which the GBOTA now happily puts on in recognition of the contribution journalist Jeff Collerson has made to the industry.
It was the eldest starters in the field who reigned supreme with Julie Fletcher's Magnifique taking honours ahead of Snozz. Choose Me coming in third, in the 30.12 event.
Despite the rain, sizzling times were still recorded with Kinga Zac the fastest and shortest price ($1.40) winner for the evening posting a 29.76 victory. The Bit Chili x Or Catra black dog showing plenty of promise, recording his fourth win from five starts.
Saturday's racing boosted by the presence of Jason Bargwanna for the Rock Energy Drink Racing team, who enjoyed a night out prior to heading to Bathurst, where he will battle out the Bathurst 1000 this weekend.
Bargwanna who had attended meetings prior with his family thoroughly enjoyed the evening, finishing the evening on a winning note sharing in the $7.30 spoils for race 10 winner Big Mama Brooks.
The greyhound racing industry thoroughly enjoying having the Rock Energy Drinks team trackside, Saturday evening, and wish the team all the best this weekend in what is recognized as the most grueling V8 event of the year.
The NSW GBOTA now turns their Wentworth Park focus to the stayers with the Group 2 Pages Event Hire Sydney Cup heats this Saturday.