The meteoric rise of Flying Ricciardo continued at Wentworth Park last night when he etched his name into the history books as the inaugural winner of the Gold Muzzle Auction race series.
The son of Barcia Bale and Megalodon was among four pups of that litter bred and nominated for the 2019 Gold Muzzle Puppy Auction by Lynne Aldous and was purChased by Kristy Sultana for just $7,500.
History now shows, that less than 18 months later, his race record stands at 19 starts for 16 wins and 2 seconds and after claiming the $40,000 winner’s cheque, his prizemoney has soared above more than $141,000…and just think, he is not even 2 years of age yet.
Flying Ricciardo showed all his customary early pace that greyhound fans have come to expect when he led from box rise with a 5.43 first split before stopping the clock at a new career best at the Glebe circuit of 29.69, taking his record at the track to 6 starts for 5 wins with his only defeat coming in the Million Dollar Chase final.
PREMIER GRANT (Dyna Double One x Cheeky Grant) for owner-trainer David Grant of Canowindra, showed he was a Chaser with plenty of potential when he ran the winner to just over 2 lengths when the judge called a halt, with Flying Ricciardo’s litter-brother, Additional Asset, claiming third spot another 4 lengths away.
“It’s just been an amazing ride so far and we can’t ask anymore of him, he is an amazing dog and we are so thrilled to have won a race like this,” said Kristy Sultana following the victory.
The Sultana name is synonymous with Greyhound racing in NSW – Kristy’s sister Michelle is a prominent trainer while her father Sam, or ‘Sparrow’ as he is affectionately known, has put the polish on some very good Chasers over the past 40 years…Kristy had no hesitation in declaring where Flying Ricciardo stood in the family pecking order.
“He is treated like a spoilt child at home but there’s no doubt, he’s the best dog we’ve ever had, and I just can’t wait to see what he can do in the next 6 months or so.”
Flying Ricciardo’s immediate aim will be the G1 Megastar at Dapto with an interstate trip up in the clouds due to the Covid pandemic, however, races like the age-restricted G1 National Derby at Wentworth Park will also be a target.
Gold Muzzle Auctions and its partner, GRNSW, will announce next week the date and conditions for the next Gold Muzzle Puppy Auction with preliminary details being that it will be staged in June 2021 and will be open for pups whelped between July 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021.
