While the Group 2 Black Top is the feature event on the calendar at Ladbrokes Gardens each year, another race which is held in the highest esteem is an event known simply as The Macca.

The reason for the significance and importance of The Macca is because it was named after one of the true icons of greyhound racing in the Hunter Valley, a man universally loved by all in the industry, the late race caller John McDermott.

Each year since 2009 when it was inaugurated, the club honours John McDermott by staging the event on the same night at the Black Top, and the race doubles as the consolation for the Group 2.

While every trainer would naturally love to win the Black Top, the winners of The Macca have repeatedly said what a special privilege it is to win the race named in honour of such a gentleman of our industry.

That was certainly the case for trainer Mark Moroney in 2021 who claimed The Macca with his Group winner Fire Legend.

"I've been trying to win it for a few years because Macca was a great friend of everyone as we know especially around this area," Moroney said.

"Fire Legend's mother Tick Away Fire got beaten a half head (by Brad Hill Billy) a few years ago (in 2015) and we've been trying to win it ever since. It's a great honour to win a race of Macca's."

In 2023, 'The Macca' was taken out by Oscar Boaz who charged home late to garb the important win for trainer Caitlin Brewer.

Coincidentally, Oscar Boaz was born in 2021 on February 25, John McDermott’s birthday.

“It felt very special (winning the race and accepting the trophy),” Caitlyn said. “It was definitely a butterflies moment.”