Great Mate Takes Out The Howard Ashton
Ron Schadow and Howard Ashton have been great friends over many years through their strong and passionate involvement in the SA Greyhound Racing Industry so it was fitting that Victa Brooke trained by Ron Schadow took out the race named in his friends honor on a terrific nights racing at Angle Park last night. Victa Brooke showed brilliant speed out of box 4, running a sizzling 4.43 for the first split to cross to the front at the winning post on the first occasion. With significant interference on the first turn affecting most greyhounds including the three main favourites drawn on her inside (Fire Tyson, Flying Tee and Cosmic Way) she was able to clear out from her rivals down the back straight and open up an unassailable lead. She greeted the judge in emphatic fashion winning by 9 lengths and recording a flying 29.77 for the 515m journey.
Even without the interference Victa Brooke ran brilliant sectionals and would have been hard to catch as she recorded her 15th win from 29 starts with 6 placings and prizemoney in excess of $40,000. Victa Brooke is owned and bred by both Ron and Joan Schadow and it was a real family affair on the dais with their extended family on hand for the presentation of the Howard Ashton Final. Flying Tee for Ossie Chegia ran another terrific race to hold onto second place while Stormy Kist who has only won the one race ran home nicely into third spot for Peter Hurley. Race favourite Fire Tyson was badly interfered with on the first turn and was put out of business, finishing in last position. The Tony Lagana star chaser was vetted after the race and no abnormalities were found. AGRA Life Member Howard Ashton was on hand to present the trophy for the first running of the Group 3 feature carrying his name formerly known as the SA Breeders Plate. He was joined by his wife Colleen and his extended family making it a great night for all concerned.
Click here to view the winning race.