It sure was a classic grandstand finish to Monday’s running of the $6,500 Croucher & Crowder Taranaki Cup over 520m at the Hatrick Raceway. Just a nose and a neck separated the three podium positions. When the race finish image was scrutinized it was the multiple Group 1 winner Nature’s Gent who received the nod by the slimiest possible margin.

Pictured: Nature’s Gent who stylishly won the action packed Taranaki Cup victory

As expected it was the known on the pace greyhounds Trojan Hoarse for Liza Cole and the Matt Roberts prepared Cawbourne Liz who was sighted spearing forward onto the early pace, while Bigtime Caleb was in close attendance to the pace for Cole.

Settling in the midfield was Nature’s Gent for his conditioner Angela Turnwald, while the defending Taranaki Cup title holder Bigtime Levi was in the rear group for Cole. Trojan Hoarse slipped clear when racing down the back straight and a thoroughly deserved feature race win for him was looking a distinct possibility. Cawbourne Liz pursued him, although her challenge wilted when rounding the final turn.

Trojan Hoarse led them in the home straight with Nature’s Gent sitting poised ready to strike. Strike he did with his last stride lunge seeing him snatch victory away from the real gallant Trojan Hoarse by that nose margin. Thundering home late along the rail was Bigtime Levi, finishing just a neck behind the runner up.

Nature’s Gent carried the racing vest which has to be Angela Turnwald’s favourite racing colour – the blue! A fair number of her Group 1 training victories has been delivered from the four trap. This victory was the 22nd for the three time Group 1 520m winner and after adding in a further 27 minor placings now sees his career stake earnings sitting at a very healthy $198,804 from his 68 race day outings.
 

Taranaki Cup winner Nature’s Gent, who keeps on winning feature races; the gallant runner up Trojan Hoarse; the fast finishing third placed Bigtime Levi
 

By Peter Fenemor