2018 Shane McQueen Feature Final Review
2018 SHANE MCQUEEN REVIEW
Another night at Angle Park, another feature race win for leading local trainer Tony Rasmussen after his versatile chaser Jeebus Bird landed the prestigious Shane McQueen Feature in front of a huge crowd last night.
Jeebus Bird was made the first reserve for the final after finishing an unlucky third in his heat however after one of the race favourites Nations and kennel mate was scratched due to injury he gained the lucky start from box 8.
The son of Barcia Bale and Queen Bluebird was kept safe in the market behind favourites On Fire for Cameron Butcher and Cairnlea Jet for Petar Jovanovic. As the 600m boxes flew open the Ken Gill trained Windmill Haze showed his usual dash to find the front early with Pierce Bale for Gino Grgurovic and Spring Bloom for Greg Board also up there early. Jeebus Bird was a little slow to muster however made ground quickly early to be up near the lead leaving the front straight. Both favourite’s On Fire and Cairnlea Jet found themselves back in the pack with plenty of work to do after slow starts. Racing down the back straight Windmill Haze was going nicely in the lead however Jeebus Bird had moved to second and looked a big threat while Pierce Bale and Spring Bloom battled it out for third with the rest of the field struggling to make ground. Rounding the bend and Jeebus Bird had made his move racing to the front and clearing out from his rivals to go on and win by 4 lengths in a solid 35.12 for the 600m journey. Windmill Haze held on strongly for second ahead of Spring Bloom who got the better of Pierce Bale in the run to the line.
Jeebus Bird has now won 9 races with 18 placings from 46 starts with career prizemoney just over $61,000.
The race is named in honour of ex CEO Shane McQueen who was a terrific greyhound administrator in WA and SA until his untimely passing in 2003. On the presentation dais it was fantastic to see Shane’s family represented by his wife Jane and his three sons who all have growing families of their own. Tony spoke in glowing terms of his association with Shane during his time as CEO, he also thanked the support of his connections who continue to support his training ventures.