It was the inaugural edition of the world’s richest short-course race, and it deserved a thrilling finish, and the large crowd at Grafton were not disappointed as the Robert Andrews-trained Integrity Mate arrived just in time to claim The Thunderbolt on Sunday evening.
After opening up a big lead early and maintaining it swinging for home, it looked like the $75,000 winner’s cheque was headed the way of the connections of the Evelyn Harris-trained Orson Laurie.
But as they showed two weeks ago in the heats at Grafton when first Orson Laurie broke the track record, then Integrity Mate equalled it, there is little between the pair and on the line just a half head separated them.
Just as they were two weeks ago with their record 19.65s performances, both Integrity Mate and Orson Laurie were on Sunday night credited with the same time of 19.77s, with Diamond Jill a length back in third in 19.85s.
Asked if he thought he was a chance on the home turn, Rob Andrews said: “Yeah I thought we would struggle to get him (Orson Laurie). I thought he was that far in front, we’re not going to get him.
“But when he (Integrity Mate) knuckled down, I thought geez he’s coming hard and …. wow, I’m in awe mate.
“The dog’s done all the work not me, but this means everything to me. As a greyhound trainer you always strive for these things.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win the first running of this race.
“To (owners) Allan Hilzinger and the family, for all their support it’s absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have done it without them. I hope we go on to bigger and better things.
“This shows dreams do come true mate, and a big congratulations to the Grafton Racing Club and Greyhound Racing NSW for this race, it’s absolutely fantastic.”
The victory - his sixth in succession - took the record of Integrity Mate to 16 wins from 26 starts and he now has earned more than $115,000. At Grafton he has won 10 times from 17 starts.
