Morton steals Gold Bullion in thrilling finish, Valpolicella claims Gold Cup
The Brisbane Summer Carnival came to a close as Morton, a greyhound from Victoria, achieved a last-second win in the Group 1 Gold Bullion (520m) race at Albion Park on Thursday night.
Morton now has a record of four wins in four races at Albion Park, including a triumph in the G2 Queensland Derby.
With Jay Is Jay being unexpectedly withdrawn from the race, Morton became the +210 favourite with the leading betting sites.
While Mick and Selena Zammit were disappointed by Jay Is Jay's absence, they hoped for success with their greyhound, All Natural.
All Natural led the pack until the last stretch, when Morton unleashed a burst of speed and snatched victory right at the finish line, winning by 0.06 lengths.
“What a time we've had up here in Queensland, and what an amazing dog,” said Jason Sharp, who trains Morton along with his wife Jessica.
“He gives everything; he's got this dog and doesn't know when he's beat.
I'm just so proud of him.”
Morton is the son of Tommy Shelby and has now secured 13 victories out of 20 starts while earning over $400,000 in prize money.
The remarkable victory of Gold Bullion is expected to secure his entry into the prestigious Group 1 Temlee (525m) race at The Meadows on February 10, marking the commencement of the Australian Cup Carnival.
In a brave display, All Natural finished as the second-place runner-up in his second race after recovering from an injury that caused him to miss the Ipswich Cup.
Magistrate, trained by Greg Stella, secured third place.
The winning time was recorded at 29.91 seconds.
2024 Gold Bullion Final Race Replay – Morton (29.91)
Meanwhile, in the other Group 1 event of the Albion Park program, Queensland starlet Valpolicella emerged as the triumphant winner in the Gold Cup (710m) for the stayers.
Under the guidance of renowned trainer Tony Zammit, +170 Neds favourite Valpolicella displayed strength during the final stretch to overcome the courageous challenge of the Victorian drill sergeant by 4.25 lengths.
Scintillate claimed third place.
With a first prize amounting to $100,000, Valpolicella's career earnings now stand at $322,660.
Her impressive record extends to 21 wins out of 41 career starts.
This triumph marked Shima Shines daughter's maiden group 1 victory in her attempt; however, considering her performance, it surely won't be her last.