Sunday Territorian

Swansea Jacky cranks up the Christmas cheer

- By DOUG BOOTH

THERE was plenty of Christmas spirit on show at the Winnellie Park races on Friday night.

Leader of the pack in bringing Christmas cheer to greyhound fans was star chaser Swansea Jacky in the feature race on the six-race card, the Sportingbe­t Christmas Cup.

Swansea Jacky took out race four in emphatic fashion for leading trainer Graeme Ferns and a host of happy owners who were trackside.

After beginning like a bullet Swansea Jacky raced away to score by eight lengths with kennelmate­s Saleen and Gold Vane rounding out the placings making it a huge result for the Ferns team. The meeting began in fine style with youngster No More Pizza scoring a solid win over improver Just Be Happy with Knocka Flyin third.

Coming off a solid debut performanc­e, the son of Dyna Lachlan presented trainer Joel Vansleve with a perfect early Christmas present as he and all his family were on track celebratin­g niece Emily’s second birthday. The race, in fact, was named in her honour.

In race two champion Just Proper finished the season as he started with yet again another brilliant performanc­e holding off a determine Son Of Joy with Junior Sanchez third. Prepared by astute Peter and Heather Donnolley, the son of Knocka Norris won 24 races this year, a record that may never be beaten. Consistent performer Happy Jordan bounced back a winner in race three over 537m finishing strongly to beat Ready To Swoop with Little Down King third.

Noted more for the bad luck he can find in his races, Happy Jordan navigated well enough to record win number 13 and consolidat­e trainer Ron Phillips’ second placing on this year’s trainer’s premiershi­p.

In- form Jurassic Knocka made it back- to- back wins for inform trainer Frank Scott in race five winning by an easy 3.75 lengths over Bar- ba Magic with Take Up Portrait in third spot.

After struggling early in his Darwin career the son of Knocka Norris really has hit his straps and should remain competitiv­e in third or fourth grade in Darwin.

The final race of 2013 went to All My Size who produced a barnstormi­ng finish to down Willy Make It with Satin Moon third.

Settling midfield the son of Made To Size circled four deep mid race and drew away to win by 4.75 lengths.

In doing so, he delighted trainer Jamie Hosking by giving him the final say of 2013.

 ?? Picture: DARREN HUNT ?? Swansea Jacky powers home to win the Sportingbe­t Christmas Cup at Winnellie Park on Friday night
Picture: DARREN HUNT Swansea Jacky powers home to win the Sportingbe­t Christmas Cup at Winnellie Park on Friday night

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