DREAMS can come true.
By Adam Hamilton
Just ask owner-trainer Ian Gurney after the fairytale end to his stable star Avonnova’s racing career at Albion Park last night (Saturday).
Not only did Avonnova win, but he produced one of the dominant displays of his 154-start career to demolish a handy field in the $50,000 Group 2 Gold Coast Cup.
And he paced a scorching 1min53.3sec mile rate for the 2138m to beat main danger Glenferrie Hood by 8.5m and finish-off with splits of 55.0 and 27.4sec.
Gurney went public at the start of last week declaring two things – this would be Avonnova’s last start and he had the veteran absolutely primed.
“The time was right and what a way to go out. The old boy went good, didn’t he?” he said.
“What a ride it’s been. I’ve had him three years and he’s won more than $650,000 for me.
“And he’s taken me all around Australia to so many big races.
“He’s been the in the number one paddock since he got her and that’s where he’ll stay now.”
The Gurney/Avonnova story started when he claimed the son of Art Major out of a race at Goulburn three years ago.
“I spotted him in the Len Smith before Goulburn and that’s what inspired me to claim him,” Gurney said. “Never could I have imagined where he would take me and the what he would go on to do.
“I only ever train between six and nine at a time so I’ve got the hours to put into them and I think Avonnova responded to that. I’d spend two or three hours a day on him and his legs.”
Gurney’s racing focus now switches to rejuvenated young mare Smooth Showgirl, who has turned heads brilliantly winning both runs since returning to his care in Queensland.
“I own 85 per cent of her and I think she’ll prove herself up with the best mares,” he said.
“I’m setting her for the Ladyship so you’ll her in Sydney in a couple of months.”
THE AVONNOVA FILE
10yo. Art Major-Mini Slick
Trainer: Ian Gurney
Driver: Shane Graham
Record: 154 starts; 49 wins; 47 placings
Earnings: $879,815
Best runs:
* WON 2015 Gp 1 Sunshine Sprint
* WON 2014 & 2016 Gp2 Gold Coast Cups
* WON 2014 Gp 2 Newcastle Mile
* 4th 2015 Perth Inter Dominion final
* 2nd 2014 Gp 1 Blacks A Fake
* 2nd 2014 Gp 1 Len Smith Mile
* 2nd 2014 Gp 1 Queensland Pacing Championship
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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