The Ladbrokes jackpot took the November monthly medal from $1300 to $2900 last Thursday and as Leanne led the son of Magic Sprite and Aston Carmelita back to the kennels afterwards she said it was a timely win close to Christmas.

Aston Ebert clocked 22.28 seconds for the 400 metres as he brought up his 24th win from 83 starts and took his prizemoney tally to more than $82,000.

The black dog jumped well from box five and after crossing the field never looked in danger as he held off the Karl Miller-trained Mini Cousin to win by one and three quarter lengths.

In an afternoon of fast times at Maitland last Thursday none went better than recent Future Stars placegetter Zipping Mack  in the Drink McGuigan Wines Stakes.

The Jason Mackay-trained son of Turanza Bale and Zipping Willow took a while to balance up from box seven in the 450m event but after taking control on the bend he powered away to beat the Ron Bell-trained Jack Skywalker by nine and three quarter lengths in 24.77s.

That’s not far off Old Spice’s Maitland track record and on that run he’s definitely one for punters to keep an eye on in the future.

Twelve Mile Creek owner-trainer Betty Keene enjoyed a double with Pathfinder and Firestorm at Maitland last Thursday.

Pathfinder broke through for his maiden win in the Ladbrokes Cash In Maiden over 450m while Firestorm delivered in the fourth and fifth grade Ladbrokes Info Hub Stakes over 400m to deliver a $1900 payday.

Both dogs are out of broodbitch Liberty Moon, with Pathfinder by Banjo Boy and Firestorm by El Grand Senor.

Congratulations on a great result Betty.

Don’t forget Maitland Greyhounds will host a free family fun day on Thursday, December 21 thanks to Maitland Mutual Building Society.

The Evans Street gates at Maitland Showground will open at 2pm with activities for the children starting at 3pm and the first race about 3.30pm.

There will be a chair-o-plane ride, jumping castle, face painting, 100 gift bags for Santa to hand out to the children and free Zooper Dooper ice blocks.