Chris proves a Theory
Darmanin’s first Group race finalist successful
Chris Darmanin tasted his first Group race success when his exciting speedster
Hybrid Theory led all the way to win the $72,500 Group 1 hawkinsmedia.com.au Laurels Classic at
Sandown Park tonight.
Hybrid Theory ($4.40) began only fairly but enjoyed a clear run to the first turn,
where she soon circled around Miss Jim ($12.40) to take the lead. However Hybrid Theory was unable
to cross to the rail, Miss Jim holding her position as the pair raced head to head down the back
straight.
Miss Jim began to tire as they approached the final turn and Hybrid Theory kicked
clear, racing to line to win by 2.75 lengths in 30 seconds even. Miss Jim held on for second ahead
of the fast finishing Who Told Helen ($11.80), while favourite Alotta Mojo ($2.40) could not
overcome early interference to finish fifth.
It was an emotional win for 27 year old Darmanin and the large contingent of friends
and family on course. Not only was ‘Ruby’ his first Group winner, but she had been his first ever
winner at Sandown Park when she won her heat two weeks ago.
“I’ve had her since she was 3½ months old and she’s like my own kid,” said an
emotional Darmanin after the race.
“It’s the best thing I’ve had in my life.”
Hybrid Theory remained undefeated throughout the three-week hawkinsmedia.com.au
Laurels series, and the daughter of Sandown track record holder Bond improved her record to eight
wins from 14 career starts. The $50,000 first prize took her career prizemoney to $68,670.
The winning connections also received a free service to stud sensation Surf Lorian,
and should she complete the Laurels-Sapphire Crown Classic double in November, will pick up a
$10,000 bonus.
The Laurels is Australia’s richest race for age-restricted bitches, and Hybrid
Theory joins some of the nation’s greatest ever racing greyhounds on its Honour Roll. Laurels
luminaries include Hall-Of-Famers Sandi’s Me Mum and Winifred Bale, Melbourne Cup winners
Cheltenham Lass and Carrington Jade, and multiple Group 1 winners Paua To Burn and Pure
Burst.
Click here
to see Hybrid Theory win the hawkinsmedia.com.au Laurels Classic.
In the night’s support feature, Tasmanian sensation Fallen Zorro claimed her first
feature win when successful in the $36,000 Group 2 McKenna Memorial.
Beginning well from box 4, Fallen Zorro ($2.30F) led at every split to defeat
Gunnadoo Magic ($4.20) by 2.25 lengths.
In the last month, Fallen Zorro has been runner up to litter brother Chinatown Lad
in the Group 1 Sandown Cup and Group 1 Brisbane Cup, and tonight’s win delighted trainer Shane
Whitney.
Her stunning winning time of 42.04 was the 8
th fastest run at the Lightwood Road circuit.
Earlier in the night, Wentworth Park track record holder Queen Lauryn made a
successful Victorian debut when she led proved too good in the Hawkins Media Solutions Free For
All.
Beginning fairly from box 5, Queen Lauryn ($1.80F) settled behind the leaders
through the first turn but had too much mid-race pace, sweeping to the lead and racing to a 2.5
length win in 29.72.
Group 1 hawkinsmedia.com.au Laurels Classic Honour Roll (1989-2008)
1989 Sandi's Me
Mum Gerry O’K
eefe
1990
Witchery
R
Miller
1991 Barb's
Tune
Alan
Britton
1992 To
Perfection
John Westerlo
1993 Suzy
Also
D
Mooney
1994 Victorious
Road Kay
Taberner
1995 Little
Promise
Robert Redenbach
1996 Hanson
Kelly
Peter Dapiran
1997 Moonambel
Gem Graeme
Bate
1998 Chersam
Honcho Garry
Whelan
1999
Labyrinth
Stanley Ralph
2000 Creative
Whisky Troy
Provost
2001 Hail A
Harley
Graeme Bate
2002 Katella
Bale
Graeme Bate
2003 Dance Portrait
Linda
Britton
2004 Paua to
Burn
Steven
White
2005 Maureen
Shirly
David Bartolo
2006 Pure
Burst
Wayne Vassallo
2007 Miss Hot
Gossip Jason
Thompson
2008 Hybrid
Theory
Chris Darmanin
