Valpolicella shatters Gardens track record in The 715 triumph
NSW-owned, but Queensland-trained, staying sensation, Valpolicella, took out the $500,000 to-the-winner 2024 The 715 final at The Gardens on Friday night, May 3.
Billed as the world's richest staying race, The 715 brought together a hot field at The Gardens, in Nsw, Australia, but at box-rise it was a one act affair.
The Sandro Bechini-owned and Tony-Zammit-trained bitch pounced on the lead quickly from box one and made every post a winner.
Sent to the boxes as the +180 race favourite on greyhound betting apps, the win did not come as unexpected but the time certainly did.
Valpolicella led throughout to win The 715 in 41.23, shaving two lengths off the track record set by Zipping Neutron (41.34) just one race earlier.
The previous track record was held by Cool Bourbski, who set the record back in December 2021.
Valpolicella beat Ritza Piper by 6.5 lengths, with Canya Amy finishing third, a further 1.75 lengths away.
2024 The 715 Final – Valpolicella (41.23 – Track Record) T: Tony Zammit
The $500,000 first prize took the daughter of Shima Shina and Saldana's prizemoney winnings to $934,895.
The 27kg black bitch has now had 48 starts for 26 wins and 16 placings.
The 715 race does not hold any black-type status, but is becoming increasingly important on the Australian greyhound racing calendar due to the riches on offer.
Valpolicella adds the 715 champion title to her 2024 Group 1 Zoom Top title, and her 2024 Group 1 Albion Gold Cup title.
Trainer Tony Zammit was overjoyed with his greyhounds win, saying, “It's unbelievable to see her begin like she did tonight.
For being in a late race, I was amazed how relaxed she was.
It must be The Gardens; she loves The Gardens; she's absolutely flown the lids, which is something she doesn't normally do.”
Popular NSW vreeder-owner Sandro Bechini rated the win as the highlight of his long greyhound career, saying, ““I never would have believed it in my life.
“Not when I started training and I was going to Moss Vale to win $30 maidens.
“I couldn't believe I could win a half-million-dollar race anywhere.
“It just goes to another level to win a race like this, of this magnitude.
“It's not officially Group 1, but it's going to be one of the greatest races on the calendar in years to come, and to be a part of it is mind-boggling at the end of the day.”
2024 The 715
2024 The 715 Results The Gardens 715m No Group Status $500,000 to-the-winner Friday, May 3, 2024 41.23
|
|
| 1st |
1 Valpolicella
T: Tony Zammit 41.23 – $500,000 +180
|
| 2nd |
3 Ritza Piper
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| 3rd |
7 Canya Amy
T: David Smith 41.82 8.25 lengths $25,000 +1420
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| 4th |
8 Raider's Guide
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| 5th |
6 Redeemer Blue
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| 6th | |
| 7th |
5 Might Have Been
T: Melinda Finn 42.18 13 lengths +260
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| 8th |
4 Sin Rap Explode
T: Shaun Pannis 42.20 13.75 lengths +3400
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