Time has been called on star pacer Avonnova.
The triple Queensland Horse of the Year will face the starter for the final time this Saturday night at his home track of Albion Park in the Gr.2 $50,000 Flags of All Nations Gold Coast Cup.
Since being claimed for a modest amount from an event at Goulburn back on October 25, 2013, the transformation has been all encompassing.
The rags to riches tale has been orchestrated by co-owner and trainer Ian Gurney, a likeable horseman who is deeply passionate about his horses and the industry.
“I claimed him so I could have a horse that could race at Albion Park every Saturday night but it quickly developed and ended up with a horse of a lifetime. I got lucky and enjoyed the best time of my life because of this horse, he’s physically and mentally sound but I just feel it’s the right time to bow out while he’s still near his best.” Gurney said.
The fairytale story could be complete this weekend with the free-legged pacer drawing the inside gate in the 2138m feature meaning he should lead and prove very hard to beat.
Last week, Avonnova led before being overhauled by classy Sydney pacer Iam Mr Brightside via the sprint lane in the Christmas Cup.
“That defeat really fast tracked my decision to retire him, I spoke with Paul (Montgomery – owner) and Shane (Graham – driver) and we all thought it was time. Given the sectionals he got last week, he should’ve been able to win that race.
“That was 2680m and this week it is 2138m, I’ll be telling Shane to lead and keep them running, catch me if you can tactics and hopefully that will be enough. His work this week has been very good but the old Nova would’ve blitzed them last week and that’s not being disrespectful, that’s just fact.
“He will spend his retirement with myself and Ange (wife) and become a riding horse, he’s quite a proud horse with the way he carries himself and I have a girl that is prepared to ride him. That should be fun for him.”
The Gold Coast Cup is just one of many feature races that he’s been able to secure since being under the leadership of Gurney; Avonnova won this race back in 2014.
Other feature race triumphs include the Gr.2 Newcastle Mile, Gr.3 Les Chant and Kevin Robinson Cups, Lucky Creed and the Listed Christmas Cup (x 2).
But his biggest moment came via the 2015 Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park when he defeated subsequent Inter Dominion champion Smolda when leading throughout in a time of 1:51.3.
“Winning the Sunshine Sprint was so special for a number of reasons, the fact it was his only Gr.1 victory coupled with the fact it was done on his home soil meant a heck of a lot.
“The Newcastle Mile was also very memorable; he set a track record that night while it also allowed us to start in the Miracle Mile.”
While victories have come thick and fast, the near misses have stacked up over time.
Feature race placings include the Len Smith Mile (2nd to Beautide), Sunshine Sprint (3rd to Im Themightyquinn), Blacks A Fake (2nd to Im Themighytquinn), Queensland Pacing Championship (2nd to For A Reason), Blacks A Fake (3rd to Philadelphia Man), Queensland Pacing Championship (3rd to Our Hi Jinx), Smoken Up Sprint (3rd to Lennytheshark) and the Mr Feelgood Open (2nd to Ultimate Art).
Avonnova contested the 2015 Inter Dominion Grand Final (9th to Beautide) in Sydney and the series staged in Perth the same year (4th to Lennytheshark).
The Art Major gelding finished as a runner-up in two heats behind Philadelphia Man and Devendra before his game effort in the final.
“That was the best performance of his life that day, he went absolutely sensational and with normal luck he should’ve won.
“Many won’t agree with that statement but I believe it, he was massive that day.”
Only three drivers have sat behind Avonnova while under the care of Gurney – Shane Graham (46), Bart Cockburn (14) and Chris Petroff (1).
As they approach Saturday night, Gurney has taken Avonnova to the races on 61 occasions for 25 victories (21 at Albion Park) and 19 minor placings while banking more than $600,000.
Not even in his wildest dreams could Gurney envisage the ride that he’s been on for the past three years.
And the ride isn’t finished just yet.
Maybe, just maybe, he can provide his loyal fans one final thrill.
AVONNOVA FACT FILE;
10yo Art Major – Mini Slick (Maple Lanes Strike) gelding
Owners – Ian & Ange Gurney and Paul Montgomery
153 Starts
48 Wins
47 Placings
Prizemoney – $849, 815
Fastest Mile Rate – 1:51.3
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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