For many years now, as the weather has cooled, trainers have flocked to the Grafton Winter Carnival. Not in search of warmth and sunshine, but the spoils of one of the iconic country racing carnivals.
While it may not be as extensive as it once was, when TAB and Non TAB events were run in conjunction, the Carnival still attracts many interstate trainers, while many also travel from all parts of NSW to be a part of the week-long event.
Many trainers also target the Carnival’s rich Maiden event with unraced dogs, looking to unearth a star and claim the large prizemoney on offer in the prestigious Maiden.
The most notable dog to begin his career at Grafton was Brother Fox. Owned and trained by Steve Kavanagh, Brother Fox began his career as a 15-month-old dog, winning a heat of the 1984 Grafton Maiden in a slick 22.95s, scoring by 15 lengths, which led to Kavanagh knocking back a huge offer for the dog. In a roughly run affair, Brother Fox was beaten a long way into third position behind Autumn Lilly in the final but went on to become one of the stars of industry.
In 2019, after failing to break his maiden status in three starts, Darryl Thomas took La Grand Quality to Grafton for the Maiden, where he led throughout to win his heat, then did likewise to claim the $15,000 first prize in the final.
The 2020 Grafton Carnival was one of many casualties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the event cancelled, but it was back with a bang in 2021.
The multi-million dollar new racetrack at Grafton was opened just in time for the 2021 Winter Carnival and it opened to rave reviews, including one from leading trainer Jason Mackay who brought a team north for the features.
And it was the well bred Zipping Maserati (Zipping Garth - Zipping Lilly) who won his heat then the final in dazzling fashion for Mackay and owner/breeders Marty and Fiona Hallinan.
2021 Maiden Winner - Zipping Maserati - Trained by Jason Mackay
Leading Western Districts trainer Dennis Barnes qualified three for the final of the prestigious Maiden final in 2022.
While he didn't win his heat 10 days earlier, Nangar Rocket was perfectly boxed in the eight and the punters rallied installing him as favourite and he didn't disappoint.
Although he took time to muster, Nangar Rocket was able to get across into second on the turn, and finished too powerfully for his rivals.
