Christo Bale enhanced his profile as one of the most consistent and versatile stars in the sport with his second McKenna Memorial win at Sandown Park last night.
It was a typical Chriso Bale performance. He began well to lead early and from there was extremely hard to beat. He built a sizable gap then extended it in the home straight to win by 7½ lengths from Shadow Mist and Jarick Bale in 34.10.
“He jumped well and knowing how strong he is and how he races, it was all over,” said co-trainer Lisa Delbridge.
It’s a rare feat in this sport for a greyhound to go back-to-back in any feature race. It highlights Christo’s amazing consistency over almost two years. He’s been on the podium in 50 of his 65 starts with 10 outings at Group level.
“We’re very proud. He’s always there abouts and for him to win the same feature race twice is a big thrill and honour.”
Christo was handled by 15-year-old Myles Delbridge who had to edge out his dad Mark for the duty.
“He handles him every chance he can get. He needs to fight for him off Mark, but Mark wanted to be with Jarick tonight, so he (Myles) got the better deal.”
Team Delbridge have won the McKenna on three occasions, twice with Christo Bale and once with Flash Of Light (2010 – the first time the race was held over 595m) who they still consider as the best they’ve had.
“Flash Of Light is probably the best. Christo is up there for sure, another of our favourites is Penta Allen who never actually won a group race but he’s in our backyard at home.”
Christo is not only the ultimate professional on-track but carries his manner off-track too.
“He’s laid back, doesn’t bark and is just no fuss. He knows when it’s race day but he’s not over the top, unlike Zipping Rambo. You wouldn’t even know he’s in the kennel – he’s just a gentleman.”
The McKenna adds to an already memorable year for the Delbrdige family having won the RSN Sandown Cup in May with Zipping Rambo.
The McKenna Memorial commemorates one of the sport’s most influential administrators, Jack McKenna. He became secretary of the Tatura Plumpton Coursing Club at just 18 years of age and in the early 1930s, was recruited to Springvale to take over the administration of the then Sandown Park Coursing Company. McKenna was instrumental in the purchase of the land on which the club now stands.
Click here for last night’s results
