There was more good news for Hunter Valley greyhound trainers this week with Maitland securing a third A2 metropolitan prize money race meeting for the year.
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This kicks some serious prizemoney into the tin for owners and trainers and follows recent announcements the city would also host heats and a $5000-to-the-winner regional final of the Million Dollar Chase, the world’s richest greyhound race, in early September.
Maitland was already programmed for A2 race meetings for its Ladbrokes Future Star final on October 25 and the Husqvarna Maitland Gold Cup final in March 2019 and the extra prizemoney will also be up for grabs on Wednesday, August 29 - a meeting transferred from racing headquarters at Wentworth Park while its track is undergoing major refurbishments.
This will see Maitland host back-to-back meetings at the end of the month with an A2 night meeting on August 29 and a B-grade afternoon twilight on August 30.
Zipping Buddy takes out final
It was fitting to see the Jason Mackay-trained Zipping Buddy win the Ron Reid Life Trophy final at Maitland on Thursday - a race named in honour of the former Cessnock Leagues Club director and greyhound enthusiast.
About 30 family and friends gathered for an afternoon at the showground track to honour Reid, who passed away late last year.
In accepting the trophy for owners Martin and Fiona Hallinan, Mackay said Reid was a wonderful bloke and that he had enjoyed a drink and a chat about greyhounds with him on many occasions.
Punters sent Zipping Buddy to the boxes as the $1.40 red-hot favourite and he didn’t disappoint with a blistering sprint in the home straight to round up the early leaders and beat Tony Mason’s Jye Nismo by two and three quarter lengths.
The son of Barcia Bale and Zipping Willow clocked 22.34s to bring up his fifth win - all at Maitland - from 12 race starts.
Muldoons score double
Digger Muldoon and Big Rex Muldoon scored an exciting double for Gloucester trainer Julie Laurantus at Maitland on Thursday.
Digger Muldoon won the Arms & Ammo Beresfield Stakes over 400m in 22.43s while race stalwart Big Rex Muldoon won the Husqvarna Masters Stakes over 400m in 22.53s.
Julie’s husband Peter and their daughter Rachael handled the dogs on Thursday and they were all smiles.
