A storm warning was issued for the northern region on Thursday. That storm hit the Cambridge Raceway at precisely 8.25:25.49pm.
The 25.49s portion was the time that it took the classy greyhound Storm Warning to storm to his victory in the $40,000 Mike Stent Decorators NZ Derby.
The Lisa Cole prepared chaser stalked the pace-setting Vikings into the straight from where he extended powerfully to annex his Group 1 title by 1.25 lengths over a gallant Vikings from the Dave and Jean Fahey kennels. Kennelmate Min Ho finished stoutly to claim his bold third placing.
Constant rain throughout the evening failed to dampen the high class chasing action witnessed. Thrilling Flo strongly prevailed over a brave Shandell to claim the $15,000 Theresa McDonald Memorial Cup at Group 2 level over the gruelling 747m trip for local conditioner Karen Walsh. She held a 5.25 length margin at the judge, completing the trip in 43.20s. Goldstar Jagger was brave when charging home late for his third placing for Steve and Bonnie Evans.
There was absolutely nothing plain about the stylish freewheeling gallop that the Ben Craik trained Simple And Plain delivered when she won the Group 2 $15,000 Lois Henley Memorial trophy. She scampered clear to nail her 457m win in 25.82s.
Included in the potent display of chasing action during the evening was the Fahey mentored American Warrior. The NZ Cup title holder produced a scintillating last to first victory in the $5,000 Jack Hannon Memorial feature 457m event, clocking 25.50s.
Heavy rain prevented the race presentation for the Theresa McDonald Memorial Cup being made at the podium. Pictured with the race spoils is kennel hand Sophie Whittaker and trainer Karen Walsh; Peter Henley presenting the Lois Henley Memorial trophy to Tracey Craik after Simple And Plain’s victory; Co-trainer Dave Fahey with the powerful Jack Hannon Memorial winner American Warrior
By Peter Fenemor
