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Doreen Drynan is targeting two more big titles for Chica Destacada After the sprinter’s superb victory in this year’s Group 1 AGRA National Sprint Championship (530m).
The sprinter survived a late surge from Star Recall to claim a thrilling victory in the $75,000-to-the-winner race at Perth's Cannington track.
Drynan was understandably “ecstatic” After Saturday night’s victory for her chaser (both pictured), but is now targeting further success in two of NSW’s biggest Group 1 520m races.
She had already submitted an expression of interest for next month's Sportingbet Megastar at Dapto – and is also eyeing October’s Sportingbet Vic Peters Classic as well.
“Hopefully we will get a place in the Megastar After this,” Drynan said.
“After that, we’ll probably look at the Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park as well.
“Just to see her win a race like this was unbelievable. I was ecstatic.”
Known for her lightning-fast starts, Chica Destacada exploded from the boxes at the WA final.
The $4.20 shot held off a strong challenge from Victorian representative Crackerjack Dak throughout the middle stages before running away for a quarter-length victory in 30.27.
West Australian greyhounds filled the minor placings, with Star Recall flashing home for second and Zelemar Fever finishing third. Crackerjack Dak faded late, but held onto fourth position.
Chica Destacada's win was the first for NSW in the National Sprint Championship since Smooth Fancy in 2010.
It was also a first Group 1 win for both the greyhound and the Landilo-based trainer.
Not even a cancelled flight, which forced Drynan to delay her return back east until Monday Afternoon, could temper her joy.
“I’m getting a bit long in the tooth,” the 76-year-old, who has been training for more than four decades, said. “I was beginning to think I wouldn’t win one.
“She’s pulled up absolutely terrific – no bumps or bruises.
“I just cannot really explain how happy I am and what’s like to see your greyhound win a race like that in front of you.
“I’m still on cloud nine now.”
In the National Distance Championship, Victoria dominated the race as expected, with Sweet It Is ($1.80) displaying her trademark finish to overtake her fellow Victorian Xylia Allen and win in 41.39 - 0.09 outside of Miata's 41.30 track record for the 715m.
Queenslander Wag Tail filled the placings, while Tasmania's Painted Dotty led early but faded to finish seventh.
Trained by Darren McDonald, Sweet It Is has now won three Group 1s in 2014.
She is the first Victorian to win the National Distance Championship since Jarvis Bale in 2009.
