Fanta’s fame all in the name
CHAMPION Lara trainer Rob Britton has described The Meadows’ decision to name the Group 1 Superstayers race after retiring star Fanta Bale as “an honour”.
The champion bitch, Australia’s highest earning greyhound with more than $1.365 million to her name, was retired earlier this week after suffering a hairline fracture in her shoulder at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
It took less than 48 hours for The Meadows manager Marg Long to announce the race’s name change. It was the race that Fanta Bale won earlier this month to secure her ninth Group 1.
“Her remarkable achievements during her career speak for themselves,” Long said.
“Amazingly, she won nine Group 1 races — including five at The Meadows — so our dir- ectors felt renaming a race she famously won this year to pass Fernando Bale’s prizemoney record would be fitting.
“We’ve had some famous races at The Meadows, but the roar of the crowd as Fanta Bale returned to the winning dais on Australian Cup night was one of the more memorable moments we’ve seen since the track opened in 1999.
“She is the only greyhound to win Group races over all three distances at The Mead- ows and this year became the only greyhound to be invited to all three invitation races (G1 Temlee, Rookie Rebel, Zoom Top).”
Britton said that night was very special.
“There’s been a noticeable build-up over the last few races she’s had where her fan base has got so big,” he said.
“On that night of the Superstayers, there were lots and lots of kids there with Fanta flags. It was really special to win.”
Britton said there was a sense of relief her career had come to an end.
“There were a number of races there, especially when she was nearing the $1 million mark, that she was expected to win,” he said.
“There was always pressure that you’re not going there with the joy of winning, you’re hoping you don’t lose because of the crowd. That’s always a bit of pressure.
“But it’s been a terrific ride.”