Heavenly Victory For Tassie’s New Saint

Tasmanian-trained chaser St. Pierre caused a huge boilover to claim the MTD Australian Cup at on Saturday night.

The son of and Paris St Germain jumped very well from box two, but was immediately under siege, with favourite ranging up ominously on the first turn. But the blue-brindle chaser showed his mettle, holding the fence and kicking clear as he reached the second section in 17.75.

With High Earner and Mid Levels bumping as they neared the home turn, St. Pierre a race-winning lead, eventually upsetting his more fancied rivals to win one of Australia's premier races in 29.90, at a quote of $16.80.

Australian prizemoney record holder High Earner – who has now cracked the $600,000 mark – finished two and half lengths away in second, while the speedy Mid Levels was six lengths further back in third.

Trainer was thrilled with St. Pierre's win – capturing his second Group victory after taking out the Devonport Cup in January – paying tribute to fellow greyhound conditioner (trainer of Salvador Bale), who helped house St. Pierre during his stay in Victoria.

“This is an amazing result. I need to send out a big thank you to Graeme Bate, whose generosity meant that the dog didn't have to travel during the week. I'd also like to thank owner Christopher Nutt for giving me an opportunity to train this greyhound. I still can't believe it.”

MGRA Chairman also announced that next year's Group 1 MTD Australian Cup final will be worth $175,000 to the winner, while the 2012 Group 1 Superstayers will give lucky a $75,000 winner's cheque.

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