Mackay Looks To A Local Victory
The ‘Nationals King' Jason Mackay is aiming to win his 4th National Championship with the regally named Snozz in this year's sprint series. Mackay gained the title of the ‘King of the Nationals' with three successive grand final victories – Classy Customer in the 2005 distance championship in Perth, Texas Gold's 2006 record breaking performance in the distance final on his home track, Wentworth Park and Mackay's break through group 1 sprint victory, a win in the Tasmanian hosted 2007 series with Immortal Love.
Snozz, a lightly raced son of Bombastic Shiraz and Special Osti, was a last start 3rd in the
group 2 Young Star Classic at Wentworth Park and has previously run a slick 29.96
around the famous Glebe circuit.
“He's a bit inexperienced and needs to draw the inside, but there's a few in that boat this
year,” said Mackay.
“But we're in there and you can't win it sitting at home.”
Mackay won the distance grand final the last time the Nationals were held in Sydney and although he doesn't have a runner in the distance this year Mackay thinks it will be another home town victory.
“If he's fit and well, Miagi's the dog to beat.
“He's only had a short preparation, but Warren (Harper – Trainer of Miagi) is happy with
him and that's the main thing.”
But the champion NSW mentor was wary of the Tasmanians.
“Shane Whitney's done a great job with his two dogs, but they will have to tackle the grand final without having raced before at Wenty, which is a big ask,” he said.
The NSW State qualifying heats will be run at Sydney's famous Wentworth Park circuit on Saturday 16 August with the State finals the following Saturday on 24 August.
The Grand Finals of the Rapidvite National Sprint and Distance Championships are worth $50,000 to the winner and will also be run Wentworth Park, on Saturday, August 30, hosted by the NSW GBOTA.