For many people the 2020 Coral Guys And Dolls Final will be remembered for the very race spectacle of a first bend collision leading to four greyhounds being knocked over. But trainer Spencer Mavrias can surely be forgiven for remembering the race – and the night – as the best of his training career.
When two railers and four middle seeds qualified for the £7,500 decider, the chances of first bend trouble were pretty high. But as they raced to the first bend, it was Ballymac Micko, the worst drawn of the sextet who led by a spot from Melodys Secret, with a length to spare over the pack.
The leading pair reached the first turn together and as Secret secured the racing line, Micko checked and was forced wide into the following traffic. Adamant Taurus escaped the worst of it as four dogs hit the sand. The leader kept his position to the winning line.
Trainer Spencer Mavrias said: “As far as I could tell there were no serious injuries, and all the dogs went to the pick-up. Nobody wants to win a race in those circumstances but these things happen sometimes in dog racing. I’ve been on the other end when we’ve had dogs knocked over.
“The way I saw the race, Secret earned his bit of luck by making the corner in front. In the semis, he was drawn on the outside of Ballymac Micko and did brilliantly to qualify.”
The race will provide encouragement to owners of the less celebrated open race winners. The older half brother to Lenson Bocko has spent most of his career as a confirmed minor open racer with an exceptional strike rate. The Category One win was the veteran’s 27th win in 69 races (39%).
Secret is owned by former trainer Ramsgate trainer George Ripley whose successes as an owner trace all the way back to the 1973 TV Trophy winner Leading Pride. As for Spencer Mavrias, it was a night that he will never forget.
He said: “We also had eight runners on the night at Central Park and had six winners. There is a real buzz about the place this morning among the girls. I would particularly like to pay tribute to Victoria Stoner who has held the whole kennel together during what has been a particularly tough year . . .and particularly for putting up with me.”
Guys and Dolls winner Melodys Secret strikes a pose with trainer Spencer Mavrias Photo: © Steve Nash
