A huge crowd converged at the Gunnedah Greyhound Track last Sunday night for the Ladbrokes Chief Havoc Gunnedah Cup final.
The outsider of the field, Aussie Zac, defied the odds from Box 4 to lead all the way and win by five lengths; collecting $40,000 for his efforts.
The victor showed dazzling speed to gain a sizeable lead mid race, and never looked like being beaten.
It was the first local victory for many years in the prestigious affair as Aussie Zac was prepared by Tamworth trainer Mark Craig, with the Group 3 win the biggest of Craig’s training career.
There were emotional scenes post-race with Craig’s family trackside along with one of the owners, Nicholas Majer, who was ecstatic.
The other owner, Steve McPhee from Melbourne, couldn’t be there but he was equally excited over the phone and facetime.
The fastest heat winner, Out Of Style, didn’t begin as quickly in the final and then found trouble before rallying to place second, while Player One was last mid race before powering home to finish third.
On a great support card, Minty Dancer led all the way, winning the Feral Franky maiden final. Ripper Freda took out the Railway and Courthouse Hotel final; Armatree Violet won the Peel Traffic Control final, with Daniel Foley from Geurie winning the other two features – the Hopes Fuel and Dusty Bourbski Damsels.
Local trainers also had a fantastic night as Jamie Bush, Matthew Bryant, John Eather and club secretary Cherie Rosier all won races on the night.
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