Irma Bale defended her RSN Sandown Cup tonight when she held off the fast finishing Bell Haven and the gallant Miata in one of the most exciting finishes in the race’s rich history.
In front of the biggest RSN Sandown Cup crowd in recent history, retiring champion Miata was sent to the boxes a $2.70 favourite – just the second time in her 51 start career that she started ‘in the black’ – however it was Irma Bale (backed from $5.50 to $3.80 on TAB) who flew the boxes to take a commanding lead passing the post the first time.
Irma Bale turned off the back straight with a three length lead as Destini Fireball set off in pursuit. Miata had recovered from a poor start to begin her run along the rail, while Tasmanian star Bell Haven switched to outside to make her run.
In a frantic run to the line, Irma Bale did enough to hold off Bell Haven by half a head, with Miata just a further head away in third in 42.10. Just 2.75 lengths separated the first seven runners over the line.
“It was a super run, she’s a special greyhound,” said victorious trainer Graeme Bate.
“She just gives her all every start. To hold off a field like that was just a courageous effort.”
The victory saw Irma Bale become the fourth greyhound to win successive RSN Sandown Cups after Paul’s Thunder (1970-71), Lizrene (1972-73) and Bold Trease (1986-89). It was her fourth Group race victory from 16 finals and 35th victory over all. The $125,000 winner’s cheque took her prize money to $541,801 and into fifth place in the all-time Australian prize money list.
Much of the pre-race build up had focussed on the greatest greyhound of her era, Miata. In what would be her final race track appearance, she displayed all the class and courage that has endeared her to racing fans throughout the country.
The crowd rose as one when she began to make ground in the final section of the race, and even trainer Paul Stuart admits to getting caught up in the moment.
“To be honest it’s the first time I started cheering for her from behind the boxes,” said trainer Paul Stuart.
“Going past the 595 boxes I saw her slowly grinding away and I thought she might just reel them. But Irma Bale was too good – it’s no disgrace finishing third behind her.”
Stuart was full of praise for his champion greyhound, and felt it was the right time to retire the five-time Group 1 winner.
“She has nothing else to prove. It’s great to see her bow out on such a great effort.”
Miata retires with a record that may never be matched. From 51 career starts, she finished with 42 wins and was placed on six occasions. Her $715,508 in prize money is an Australian record.
The night was a tremendous success for the club, with more than $10,000 given away by Eddie McGuire and Jaimee Rogers in “The Dog, The Money or the Box,” and the on-course Punter’s Club returning an impressive 472% return. In addition, every person who came to see Miata off in her farewell race will become an owner in her first pup to race, courtesy of Paul Stuart, the Wheeler family and the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.
