Gold Assassin eliminates Townsville Anniversary Cup decider

By Brennan Ryan

North Queensland trainer Harold Hovi celebrated Townsville’s 44 years of greyhound circle track racing in style when Gold Assassin turned in a brilliant display to take out the T.G.R.C Anniversary Cup Final at the Townsville Showgrounds on Tuesday night.

Coming from box five, Gold Assassin showed fierce determination coming across to rail underneath race leader Hot Wild Roses passing through the catching pen, who headed the field early from the start, as the runners made the long rise upwards along the back straight.

Off the top corner, Gold Assassin had burst well clear setting a handy break, going on to score by a half-length from the fast-finishing Septimo, with Segredo running on for third.

The winner clocked a strong 29.09 seconds, bringing up his 6^th career win from 27 starts.

Undefeated throughout the series, trainer Harold Hovi was elated with Gold Assassin’s achievement.

“To be quite honest I wasn’t confident with Gold Assassin drawing box five in the race,” Hovi said.

“It certainly gave me big shock in the way he showed the speed to drive through and rail underneath Hot Wild Roses, I was concerned she would be our danger – our bloke was brilliant in his efforts.”

The McGuire Syndicate is headed up fellow trainer Matt McGuire along with members of his family.

“I’ve had the great pleasure in dealing with Matt and his family for a few years now, Gold Assassin has been in my kennels for six starts and Matt has backed whatever decision I’ve made with the dog,” Hovi said.

“The dog now steps up to Open grade which will be a real test.”

Connections have elected to bypass the upcoming RQ Country Cup series, which starts in January.

“I’ve had the talk with Matt and the plan will be to target what comes up next with Gold Assassin in the coming months, but the Country Cup is certainly off the agenda,” the trainer said.

“The Australia Day Trophy over 498 metres will most definitely be his next mission which isn’t too far away.

“The dog needs to be tested in Open company but for now we will take just one run at a time.”