Satoshi claims final Vince Curry Maiden at Ipswich Showgrounds

By Pat McLeod

When 14-year-old Chase McCarthy’s scream – ‘I’m getting a bike’ – echoed across the Ipswich Showgrounds on Saturday night, his many family and friends knew the significance - Satoshi had just won the final running of the prestigious Vince Curry Memorial Maiden at that track.

“Yes, that was my son Chase,” beamed Satoshi’s owner and trainer Ben McCarthy in the aftermath of the $75,000-to the winner 520 metre sprint.

“He has been begging me for a new motorbike. So has my nephew, so it looks like I might have to buy a couple.

“I had a lot of support here with family and friends. They told me they would be yelling if he was in front and I could sure hear them from where I was behind the boxes.”

Satoshi’s two-and-three-quarters-of-a-length win over Moet Magic (trained by Ray Burman), with Strut (Jeff Crawford) third in 30.29 seconds, reconfirmed his race favouritism and the high regard McCarthy has for the dog.

“There is obviously a lot of prestige around this race, especially being the last one at Ipswich (before the move to the nearby The Q) so it definitely is an honour to win this,” McCarthy said.

“It is the biggest moment in racing for me so far, even bigger than the Ipswich Derby win (with Fast Eddie).

“I would have to say that this dog has a pretty big future, so it is pretty exciting. He is such a determined dog and does everything at 110 per cent. He makes his way through because he chases so hard.”

Satoshi, from the one box, jumped reasonably well and was the clear leader exiting the catching pen.

From there the race was his.

“It was hard for me to see him through that first corner and I actually thought he was taken out and was out the back," McCarthy said. 

“But, after the corner I caught sight of him again and he was in the lead. I could not believe it and from then on I was just cheering him home. I was just willing him to stay in front. I am just ecstatic. There are so many emotions and it is so great to share it with so many people. It is a dream.”

McCarthy’s father and mentor, John, and wife Maggie, are on a short holiday in New Zealand and were not at Saturday night’s race.

“Mum and dad have meant everything for me as far as greyhound racing goes,” he said.

“They have given me the dogs, including this one, and have helped me out in so many ways, but especially with advice. I would not be here without them.”

Queensland Greyhound Racing Club CEO Peter Gleeson said the 41^st running of the Vince Curry Memorial Maiden was a ‘perfect’ way to farewell the event at the Showgrounds track.

“What a fantastic night and a fitting farewell for this great race to the track where it has been raced since its inaugural running in 1984,” Gleeson said. 

“Next year’s running of the Vince Curry will be at The Q, just nearby at Yamanto, which when opened in May will be the best greyhound racing venue in the world.

“And, of course the Vince Curry is the ideal way to farewell Group racing at Ipswich.

“Not only is it the richest greyhound maiden, but it is renowned for unveiling future greats of this sport.

“Have a look at the honour board and you will see names such as Token Prince and Just The Best proving the calibre of past winners.

“The race indicates that the race’s reputation as a showcase of future stars, is safe. And, as far as its farewell to the Ipswich Showgrounds, well, in front of a big crowd it was a great way to send the old girl out with a bang.”