TRAINER Ray Murray had a big day out at the Gawler greyhounds on Friday afternoon, when he achieved the perfect winning score from the three runners he had engaged.
Murray kicked off with a win in the very first race – an event for grade six dogs over 400 metres.
His runner, Wan Chai from box one, had to fend off a spirited challenge firstly from Stellar Jewel (box-five), and then Spofforth (box-two), before winning by four lengths in the time of 22.94 seconds.
The second win came in race seven – a race for grade fives over the 531m trip – with his runner being Air Marshall from box five.
Air Marshall was headed at the start by several runners, including Cosmic Katie which speared straight to the front.
Air Marshall quickly got into top gear to go to the lead as they left the catching pen area, to pull away with a winning lead that was maintained until he crossed the line, nearly five lengths in front of his rivals.
Running a sound 31.01 seconds, he defeated Love First (box-one) for Tony Lagana and Aston Opal (box-two) for June Sharpe.
Air Marshall, which is also owned by Murray as well as trained, took his impressive tally to 18 wins, with nine placings from just 32 starts.
Aston Chandon provided the third winner in the trio in the next race, a mixed grade three/four/five event also over 531m.
Jumping straight to the front from box one, Aston Chandon stuck to the rails and won comfortably by just under five lengths, in a very fast 30.67 seconds.
Second place went to Instantaneous (box-seven) for Ben Rawlings and Spring Cuervo was third for Ray’s son Troy Murray.
Aston Chandon also has a better than average record, with his 38 starts yielding 15 wins and 11 placings.
Helping to keep it in the family, Troy produced a good win in a mixed four/five/six over the 643m journey.
Leading all the way from box two, Defy did just that to not let his rivals get into contention with a four length win.
Defy has been an exceptional performer since coming to SA in Troy’s care, having 15 starts for 11 wins, giving him a career total of 29 wins from 59 starts.
Racing at Gawler is normally every Friday and Tuesday afternoon, but there will be another of the popular Sunday night meetings on Sunday, September 27, in lieu of the Friday, September 25 event.
Bookings will be required, and can be made on 8522 2935.