An unforeseen mishap almost threw Friday’s Jarrod Larkin Gold Rush Maiden Final into disarray when Pearcedale trainer Karen Pitt got a flat tyre on her way to Bendigo’s Lords Raceway.
As fate would have it, Karen and her team of greyhounds made it to the track after being rescued by a fellow trainer, with her young star Zipping Albert unfazed by the drama, taking out the the main event and capturing a $10,000 first prize.
Karen landed a double later in the day when Fancy Fabio took out Race 11, while her other runner that afternoon, Zipping Tiffany, ran sixth in the Gold Rush Maiden Final.
“We nearly didn’t make it,” Karen said after the race.
“Coming into town I got a flat tyre and was worried about getting to the track in time to kennel.”
“I have to thank trainer Billy Stockdale as I gave him a call to see where he was and he turned back and came and got me and the dogs. I guess after winning the big final the tyre is not the concern it was a few hours ago but now we have to go back and get the car and see how we go getting it sorted”.
Stockdale, of Hastings, had one runner in on the day, Nifty Nelly, one ran 2nd in the first race on the card.
The Gold Rush Maiden Final was one of many highlights at Bendigo on Friday, with big names Sandown Cup finalist Blazing Cartier, Warragul track record holder Paua Of Oscar and dual Gr8 Eight winner Last Hurrah also victorious on the day.
Bendigo winter racing carnival continues Wednesday afternoon with ten heats of the inaugural Battlers Cup highlighting the card.
BENDIGO WINTER CARNIVAL – KEY DATES
Wednesday June 24:
Battlers Cup Heats (425m).
Sunday June 28:
Bendigo Cup Heats (425m).
Friday July 3 (night):
G2 Bendigo Cup Final (425m);
Battlers Cup Final (425m);
Winter Cup (660m);
GRV Vic Bred Maiden Final (425m)
WATCH: Zipping Albert (5) shows huge heart to take out the Gold Rush Maiden Final at Bendigo on Friday in 23.74sec.
