Not even inclement weather could dampen the excitement surrounding the first of the Gippsland Festival of Racing’s trilogy of Country Cups, the Group 1 Sale Cup, on Boxing Day.
A 1750-strong crowd enjoyed live music, food trucks, the Party Paddock and an appearance from AFL great Gary Ablett Jr who socialised with the large crowd, having photos taken and signing autographs with those on track.
Balliang’s ‘Team Delbridge’ juggernaut rolled on when middle-distance marvel Jarick Bale steamrolling his rivals in the feature race, the $120,335 Group 1.
TRFM Sale Cup over 650 metres, claiming back-to-back victories in the only Country Cup in Victoria that carries Group 1 status.
Jarick Bale became only the second greyhound to secure successive Sale Cups, joining Wylie Boy (1995-96).
Trained by Mark Delbridge, Jarick Bale accelerated quickly from the ‘black’ trap (Box 7) to score a commanding 4.4-length win over Dookie Devil with his kennelmate, Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Yachi Bale.
In the lead-in to the final, Delbridge couldn’t ‘split’ his dynamic duo: “I think they can both win it … they’re much of a muchness. The only difference is that Jarick Bale is proven over 650m, while Yachi Bale is the up-and-comer”.
The Warragul Cup is up next, on Friday January 13, and Gary Ablett Jr will be back on track to meet and greet locals.
