Owner-trainer Lorraine Atchison is already targeting more big titles for Spacecraft after his breathtaking victory in the Group 2 PPK Group Limited Maitland Cup (450m).
A thrilling finish saw Spacecraft (pictured, blue rug) overhaul Camacho and pip La Grand Logie, owned and trained by Atchison’s brother-in-law Jeff Eaton and her sister Carol, to win the $40,000 top prize.
It was a first Group win as an owner-trainer for NSW Central Coast-based Atchison, whose greyhound has emerged as a star of the state’s sprinting ranks in recent months.
She is now priming Spacecraft for a crack at the Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic in June and believes he could have a big future.
"Who knows," she said with a big smile. “He is not even two yet, so to win a race like this is a great achievement.
"He always looked a good pup and I thought he had a Group win in him.
“We will head towards the Peter Mosman now I think. We might go back to Wentworth Park and maybe trial him at Albion Park as well.”
Click here to watch a replay of the Maitland Cup.
Camacho ($10.10) looked favourite to take Friday night's race after jumping out like a bullet and leading at the final corner.
Spacecraft veered very wide down the final straight but came home powerfully to win as a $3.20 shot in 25.08.
He was three-quarters of a length ahead of the fast-finishing La Grand Logie ($18.40), who pipped Camacho for second.
Atchison was ecstatic with the triumph, although she admitted she thought Spacecraft’s hopes of winning the race had sunk.
“He didn’t seem to jump that well,” she said. “I thought he was in trouble.
“I couldn’t see much from where I was standing. I was just listening to the commentary and what was being said.
“When I heard he was coming down the straight ahead I just started screaming.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
Favourite Zipping Saxon’s hopes were effectively ruined by a slow start as he finished fifth.
The triumph took the career record of Spacecraft - a son of Brett Lee x Cristalle - to 13 wins and nine minor placings from 28 starts.
With Spacecraft’s success and La Grand Logie’s great run, it was a memorable night for Atchison’s family.
Sister and popular trainer Noelene Holloway also displayed her singing prowess, belting out the national anthem prior to the big race.
“I want to thank my Mum and Dad for introducing all my family to the greyhounds,” Atchison said. “They have provided us with a lovely life.
“It was lovely to win and I’m very excited.”
In other action at Maitland, Let It Develop secured the Maitland Cup Consolation (450m) for trainer Jodie Lord with a 25.01 run.
Winsome Senor (19.80), claimed the Mal-Wel Middle Distance Championship Stakes (565m) for Melinda Finn, finishing .05 outside the track record.
