Aston Gwen gave 20 year old Ben Magri the biggest thrill of his training career when claiming the group 2 Laurels at Sandown Park tonight.
Sent to the boxes an $8.60 behind raging favourite Immunity ($1.30), Aston Gwen began flawlessly from box 3 to assume control of the race with a lap to go and from there was never threatened. The daughter of Fernando Bale powering to a commanding 5.25 length win in 29.45.
“It feels sensational, I can’t explain it really,” said Magri.
“I always wanted to give it a shot. Winning this helps out and makes me want to do it again.”
Magri was born into greyhound racing but only began training in his own right around five months ago. The Laurels victory was not only his first at group level, it was just his second city winner. He rounded out a memorable night by completing his first city double with Liverpool Flyer saluting in race 11.
In addition to the $50,000 winners cheque, owner Ray Borda also received a straw to TAB Melbourne Cup winner Hard Style Rico.
My Girl Kizzy and Gypsy Bun filled the minor placings, while Immunity finished a luckless fifth.
The Laurels, open to female greyhounds up to 30 months of age, was first run in 1964 making it one of the club’s oldest running feature races. It has been won by some of the sport’s greatest champions, including Australian Hall Of Famers Winifred Bale, Sandi’s Me Mum and Paua To Burn, and in more recent times, Lamia Bale, Up Hill Jill and Circle Of Dreams.
Click here for full results and replays from tonight’s meeting.
