Outstanding Nominations For Golden Chase
“Very, very pleasing,” was the reaction from Palmerston North GRC President Paul Freeman after the connections of 63 greyhounds from right around the country nominated for and paid the $200 entry fee to contest the second running of the City of Palmerston North Golden Chase.
Pictured: The inaugural Golden Chase winner Robson has been nominated to defend his title
“To have eight Group 1 winning greyhounds amongst the nominations has really set up the series. Owing to the strong nomination support we received means that we can now add a third consolation race to the finals day,” added Freeman.
The March 27 finals evening is part of the tri-code City of Palmerston North Racing Festival with the City of Palmerston North Golden Chase final set down to be contested for a $35,000 stake. In addition, there will be three consolation 457m races carrying stakes of $10,000, $7,000 and now an additional $6,000 race, meaning that 32 nominated greyhounds will be able to race for feature stakes on City of Palmerston North Golden Chase finals evening.
City of Palmerston North Golden Chase nominated greyhounds includes (from left): Pinny Mack; Diddilee; Ringside
Monday, February 3 commences an intense two month period for the Palmerston North-based club. City of Palmerston North Golden Chase qualifying has commenced with the Manawatu Raceway 457m race times now counting as qualifying times for nominated greyhounds.
Each nominated greyhound is entitled to a 457m solo trial which will be held after the last race contested following the weekly Monday afternoon meeting. A greyhound is required to contest a 457m race during a Monday meeting during the qualifying period in addition to the entitled 457m trial. Check out the event’s T & C’s on this website.
Golden Chase qualifying continues up to and including the second edition of the popular Commentators Day Out meeting on March 16. Race commentators from throughout New Zealand will be joined by four Australian commentators for the day.
Making the trip across the Ditch on this occasion is New South Wales caller Tim Newbold, while Peter O’Neill makes the long trip over from Perth. Melbourne Cup commentator James Van De Matt called at the Manawatu Raceway last year and he will be joined by his Healesville associate Victoria Shaw who is Sky Racings only lady commentator. An edition of the Sky Racing greyhound show The Catching Pen will be recorded at the Manawatu Raceway.
The promotional poster for the March 16 Commentators Day Out meeting; Victorian and Melbourne Cup greyhound commentator James Van De Matt is returning to the Manawatu Raceway – he’s seen here with his wife Chloe after his stayer Vandagambo finished third in last season’s Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar, while central region thoroughbred commentator Tony Lee will also be returning
Australian Bush Fire Appeal
The progressive Palmerston North GRC raised $900 towards the Australian bush fire appeal after six greyhounds wearing the gold and green racing vests (Australian colours) won their respective races over the previous three Monday meetings.
The donation will be split between RSPCA and the Red Cross, “They're the main organizations assisting the animals (injuries, rehabilitation, finding them new homes/environments, etc.). It makes sense to support the RSPCA seeing the animal connection and also provide a range of support for victims of the fires. while the Red Cross: are doing great work in supporting both people and animals long-term,” said Courtney Turnwald on behalf of the Palmerston North GRC.
By Peter Fenemor