Bill Skipper & Special Pup Win The 2014 Mandurah Birthday Cup
Bill Skipper had a night to remember after his star sprinter Special Pup took out the Group 3 Mandurah Mail Birthday Cup.
Jumping from box five at the 405 metre boxes, the black dog was part of an even spread as the lids flew open. Te Amo was able to muster up enough speed to land in front of Special Pup but she was unable to cross the rails, giving Special Pup room to take the lead. The son of Velocette – Barry's Special crossed the line 2.25 lengths ahead of Te Amo, holding off a late serge from Ben Abercrombie's Burzynski.
Punters had their money on the Linda Britton trainer Te Amo who jumped from box eight paying $2.50 for the win. Special Pup, the fastest heat qualifier, was second favourite as the boxes opened paying $4.90.
Special Pup has now won on 17 occasions from 33 starts, earning over $47,000 for owner/trainer Bill Skipper.
Skipper's second contender in the $37,000 final, Special Jim stayed at the rear of the field after jumping last. The son's of Velocette – Barry's Special will depart from Skipper's care in just a few months time when he packs up his Barragup property for his new home in Preston Beach.