2023 DOUG PAYNE SA BRED FEATURE – REVIEW
The 2023 SA Bred Doug Payne Feature was run last night at Angle Park as part of the “Family Fun in the Sun” promotion in beautiful warm conditions with a large crowd in attendance. It was the Gavin Harris owned and trained sprinter, Springvale Max who showed his class to win in fine style and go past the $100,000 in prizemoney.
Gavin previously won this race in 2017 with star sprinter Zinfandel Zara who had her blossoming race career shortened due to injury and no doubt this is a race that he targets with his SA bred sprinters.
The son of Barcia Bale and Springvale Bryne was sent out on the third line of betting behind Springvale Roxy for Mike Giniotis and the heavily supported Yarramundi Paul for Vadim Roz who was backed into challenge for favouritism. As the start was affected there was good speed from He’s Our Design for Sharyn Gray who made full use of box 1 to grab the early lead however was quickly challenged by Victa Kurt from box 8 for Lisa Rasmussen who moved up stylishly. Back in third was Springvale Max who began well and was able to get ahead of both Springvale Roxy and Yarramundi Paul. Out of the front straight and He’s Our Design was in the lead with Victa Kurt on his outside and tucked away on the inside in a great spot was Springvale Max. There was a small gap back to Springvale Roxy and Yarramundi Paul who looked to make ground. Down the back straight and the run appeared for Springvale Max along the inside as he grabbed the lead from He’s Our Design with Victa Kurt also making ground out wide with still a gap back to the rest. On the turn for home and Springvale Max had burst away from his opposition opening a race winning break. Victa Kurt ran to a clear second while He’s Our Design began to struggle and was heavily challenged by Springvale Roxy and Yarramundi Paul for the minor prize. Down to the finish line and Springvale Max was doing it well in the lead and went onto win by 3.75 lengths in a slick 30.47 for the 530m journey. Victa Kurt ran a bold race for second with a further 1 length back to Yarramundi Paul who flashed home to grab third.
Springvale Max has now won just over $102,000 in prizemoney with a terrific record of 26 wins from 62 starts including 16 placings.
Doug Payne is one of only three South Australian’s inducted into the GCA Hall of Fame and is recognized as an icon of SA greyhound racing. He was a true ambassador for the industry winning the first three Adelaide Cups in 1972, 73 and 74 in addition to winning 14 training premierships.
It is always good to have some of Doug’s family on course again this year with his daughter Carolyn, presenting the rug and trophy to the winning connections.
Further Information:
Shaun Mathieson
(08) 8243 7100
Racing Manager
Greyhound Racing SA