‘The King’ conquers QGOLD but the invaders have started to appear

By Pat McLeod

The Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival exploded into life on Thursday night at Albion Park as local hero Jay Is Jay led a glittering parade of Queensland-bred winners across eight QGOLD features.

The track record holder claimed the QGOLD Winter Sprint Final over 520 metres in a classy display, finding the line in an impressive 29.64 seconds ahead of Mr. Springtime (trained by Sharyn Jackson) with Tomahawk Hayze (Sandra Hunt) third.

But, as the Queenslanders revelled in the early winter chill there were ominous signs of a pending southern invasion.

In the very first race of the night, now NSW-based Panama Pepper, who is under the care of master Queensland mentor Tony Brett during the carnival, sizzled to victory in a best eight race over 520 metres in a breath-catching 29.56 seconds. 

Then, in the middle of the QGOLD festivities (race five), the Central NSW Dennis Barnes-trained Nangar Rocket, fired a shot across the bow of local distance performers, claiming a free for all race over 710 metres by five-and-a-quarter lengths in 41.99 seconds. 

The prize money riches in Queensland, highlighted by the state’s first million-dollar race, the Group 1 Brisbane Cup on July 7, may be a bonanza for the local industry, but the outside interest is now real.

Mick Zammit, who trains Jay Is Jay with wife Selena, acknowledged the arrival of the visitors after his dog’s victory on Thursday night.

“Panama Pepper’s time was about a length and a half better than my dog’s tonight. He is a very good dog and there is no surprise with that,” Mick said.

“There will be eight or 10 dogs coming up over the next month that can probably run around that.”

However, there was no detracting from the performance of the ‘King Of Albion Park’, Jay Is Jay’s performance to claim the $25,090 winner’s cheque.

“That was very good. I am very happy,” Mick said.

“He came from behind to win in the heat last week and led this week. He can run within a range.

“I was just happy that he came out and used the box. It would have done his confidence the world of good. It was good to have an unimpeded run this week, for his confidence and for the feature races coming up.”

There were plenty of stand outs in the other seven Finals on Thursday night, especially that of Corey Mutton’s Jimmy The Singer, who claimed some big scalps in the QGOLD Winter Chase Final over 600 metres in 34.98 seconds.

‘Jimmy’ stepped out of the shadows of his litter brother, Group performer De Ferran, with a strong leader’s performance.

In his wake was second-placed Hara’s River (Jemma Daley), who had won five from five at track and distance until this race. Third was Tony Zammit’s Adulate.

Mutton, trainer and part-owner, was full of emotion with the win.

“If I led you weren't going to beat me. If I didn't lead I couldn't win,” was his simple summation, before acknowledging the vibrant crowd at ‘The Creek’ for the QGOLD features.

“We are here to entertain. So, it was great to see the crowd get involved.

“I am here to put on a show when I can. Just give me the dog.

“But, what a win. I have had so much heartbreak over the years, I am speechless. I have never had a high like this before.

“As far as the rest of the carnival is concerned, well now we are up with the big boys, but ‘yes’ he is here next Thursday night.”

Trainer Sandra Hunt celebrated a double with the QGOLD Bolt victory and also with Big Town Hero’s win in race 11. She also had a second in the QGOLD Bolt with Feel The Beat, third in the Blitz with Barty Hayze and third in the Winter Sprint with Tomahawk Hayze.