3 minute read
It was Cannington greyhound track that was firmly under the big lights on Friday evening as it kicked off the first leg of the Trilogy race series. And boy it did not disappoint culminating in a night to truly remember for Western Australia greyhound racing.
The $300,000 winners purse was firmly on its way to legendary Western Australia trainer David Hobby and the winning slot holders Total Container Solutions as the boxes opened and Crumble Monelli left everyone in his dust as he led from box rise till the judge called a halt in a brilliant 29.64 seconds for the 520 metre trip.
Crumble Monelli the son of legendary sire Barcia Bale won by nearly 4 lengths defeating slot holders Team Guess with their secondary runner Momentum who was selected after the withdrawal of Throttle. Perth Cup winner Elite Machine was third for slot holder Ram Racing Syndicate.
The night belonged to Western Australian greyhound racing and rightly so as trainer David Hobby added to his trophy cabinet the first ever Sandgroper trophy. Hobby has throughout his career just about won every major race that Western Australia has to offer. He presented Crumble Monelli in picturesque condition.
Crumble Monelli pinged the lids to perfection and half way down the back straight as the field jammed behind him it was sectionals and margins as the only concern as he bounded away for a historic making victory. It took Crumble Monelli's record to 14 wins from 20 starts and close to $500,000 in prizemoney.
The threat of interstate dogs Wow She's Fast and Victa Damian did not eventuate as Western Australia claimed all three placings. Wow She's Fast and Victa Damian jumped poorly and failed to gain traction in running as Crumble Monelli hit the front and Momentum to his credit held the fence.
Post race trainer David Hobby was quick to acknowledge all involved in the victory " I'm really proud of the dog and thankful to Total Container Solutions for the opportunity". He also stated "I was confident the dog was ready to run a big race this week and he didn't disappoint".
At just 26 months of age we can assume that Crumble Monelli will next attack the Western Australia Derby. A traditional aged classic race for dogs. There is no doubt that his brilliant early box speed will carry him a long way in the series. His litter brother also likely to contest the series.
The Sandgroper was a terrific success as being just one part of the Trilogy series being held over the two days alongside thoroughbred and harness racing.In doing so Western Australia has become the first ever state or territory in Australia to hold a trilogy slot holder series of all three codes. We can be rest assured it is here to stay.
