MEDIA RELEASE 26th November 2006

“Schweppes Melbourne Cup a Final” A record five bitches to contest Melbourne Cup An extraordinary five bitches qualified for Australia’s richest greyhound race at Sandown Park tonight, creating what promises to be the most keenly contested Schweppes Melbourne Cup in recent history.

Miss Mini Mouse ($3.10) secured her berth in Australian greyhound racing’s blue riband event with a scintillating 2.25 length win in 29.71. The Group 2 South Australian winner will take her place in the final alongside litter­sister Betty’s Angel ($2.50F), who proved too strong in her heat to win in an impressive 29.77.

Betty’s Angel will attempt to become the first greyhound since Sydney Dingaan in 1986 to complete the Sapphire Crown – Melbourne Cup double.

Paul Bartolo narrowly missed out on a third Cup runner when the third member of his outstanding litter, Leprechaun Pace ($3.60F), was narrowly defeated by Group 1 Maturity Classic winner and Group 1 Sky Channel Topgun runner­up Train A Journey ($3.70).

Despite beginning only fairly, Train A Journey railed strongly to win his heat in 29.79. An impressive trial last Saturday morning confirmed the Group 1 Maturity Classic winner had overcome any injury concerns following his fall in the Group 3 Silver Bullet, and is sure to be well supported in this week’s final.

Underrated bitch Cash Up ($4.40) gave master trainer Graeme Bate his 19 th Cup finalist when she capitalised on the favourable box 1 to secure a comfortable five length win in 30.10.

Pure Burst ($7.30) crossed from box 7 to win the opening heat of the night in 29.92. Wayne Vassallo’s Group 1 Classic winner took her career earning towards $100,000 when holding out the well supported My Shout ($2.50F) by 3.5 lengths in 29.94.

Ryght Way caused the upset of the night when the $55 outsider upstaged $1.60 favourite Jaimandy Coops.

Looking to become the first greyhound since Bombastic Shiraz to claim the Triple Crown, Jaimandy Coops began poorly and found trouble at the first turn. After then being forced wide, the Benalla Bullet rallied strongly in the home straight, but had no answer for Ryght Way, who powered to the line in 30.13 seconds, 1.75 lengths clear of Flying Kangaroo ($33.50), with Jaimandy Coops a fast­finishing third. Continued on Page 2… 2

Jason Thompson uncovered a potential star when Run’s House ($9.40) won the eighth and final heat.

At just his seventh race start, the son of Awesome Assassin led all the way to hold off dual Group 2 winner Vapour Whirl ($2.50F) by 1.25 lengths. At just 20 months of age, Run’s House is looking to become the youngest greyhound since Kantarn Bale (1999), and least experienced greyhound ever to win the Schweppes Melbourne Cup.

Laurie Banner gave Glenn Rounds and Judy Hayley their first Cup finalist since winning the 2001 Cup with Classic Capri with a convincing 5.75 length win in 29.73.

GROUP ONE – SCHWEPPES MELBOURNE CUP $150,000 to the winner

Pure Burst 23 starts 11­6­3 ($97,395) Token Prince – Hotburst Fawn Bitch August '04 Owner: A Cuschieri, J Yusi Trainer: Wayne Vassallo Sandown Park best: 29.85 (5) (10 Starts 5­2­1) Group 1 Laurels winner at Sandown with a strong record at the track. She was disappointing as favourite in the recent Sapphire Crown final, but had plenty of excuses. Drawn perfectly in the red alley and has sufficient pace to hold the lead if she can jump as she did in the heats. Red box has won the last four Cups. Laurie Banner 21 starts 11­4­1 ($36,355) Brett Lee – Tess Banner Black Dog November'04 Owner: Barry Gibbons Trainer: Glen Rounds Sandown Park best: 29.66 (1) (4 Starts 2­0­1) Same training combination took out this race in 2001 with outsider Classic Capri. Never in doubt during emphatic heat win and looks to be well suited from the draw. He should find himself well and truly in the mix at the first turn. Extremely talented sprinter who has recorded a flying 29.66 from an inside draw at the track. Run’s House 7 starts 4­0­1 ($14,075) Awesome Assassin – Amy’s Sonnet Red Fawn Dog March '05 Owner: Seona Hood Trainer: Jason Thompson Sandown Park best: 29.92 (4) (2 Starts 1­0­0) Attempting to become the youngest and least experienced winner in the Cup’s 51 year history. Showed enormous toe to lead his heat last Thursday, but will need to repeat the dose to challenge this lot. Leading trainer Jason Thompson will have him cherry ripe on the night. Genuine each­way proposition. Betty’s Angel 15 starts 10­1­1 ($92,850) Brett Lee ­ Leprechaun Yap Black Bitch November '04 Owner: Diane Bartolo Trainer: Paul Bartolo Sandown Park best: 29.77 (7) (5 Starts 4­0­0) One of two litter sisters in the final by Brett Lee out of Leprechaun Yap. Has an outstanding strike rate including a victory in the recent Group 1 Sapphire Crown Classic. Not much of her but what there is lacks nothing for class. Will still press for favouritism despite the awkward draw. Do not underestimate. Train A Journey 21 starts 13­1­1 ($121,200) Primo Uno – Currency Tears Black & White Dog April '04 Owners: Steve Karlusic & Andrew Marth Trainer: John Galea Group record: WON G1 Maturity Classic Sandown Park best: 29.71 (2) (5 Starts 3­1­0) Group 1 Maturity Classic winner who has battled with injury all year. Potential superstar for young trainer John Galea and will make his presence felt. Not a super beginner and will almost certainly need luck from this awkward draw. Will prove a massive threat if he can just obtain a clear run. Each way. Miss Mini Mouse 17 starts 7­3­2 ($39,565) Brett Lee ­ Leprechaun Yap Black Bitch November '04 Owner: Diane Bartolo Trainer: Paul Bartolo Sandown Best: 29.71 (6) (5 Starts 1­1­1) Litter sister to Betty’s Angel who carried this rug to an impressive victory in last week’s heat. Won the South Australian Oaks in fast time back in September. Quick beginner who registered lightning splits for first two sections of her heat win. Is capable of leading all the way. Keep very safe. Ryght Way 29 starts 8­6­6 ($37,320) Carlisle Jack – Leannan’s Way Black Bitch February '04 Owner: G P & L P Ryan Trainer: Frank Ryan Sandown Best: 30.10 (1) (16 Starts 3­3­3) Giant killer who toppled the mighty Jaimandy Coops in the slowest heat win last Thursday night. Does look to be out of her depth here, but is a very strong finisher. Will need a lot of luck to find the rails and then a bit more to catch the leaders. Record at the track is only fair. Hard to have and will start long odds. Cash Up 68 starts 17­10­8 ($73,668) Primo Uno – Reeba Honcho Black Bitch January '04 Owner: Keith Dawson Trainer: Graeme Bate Sandown Park best: 30.00 (1) (33 Starts 7­7­3) Most experienced runner in the field which always helps in these types of races. She could be the one to pounce if there is a traffic jam at the first turn. Only runner for master trainer Graeme Bate who has made this race his own. Will get plenty of racing room and could prove to be the fly in the ointment for her more fancied rivals. Torque Bale 29 starts 10­9­1 ($26,950) Brett Lee – Ashton Bale Good beginner with a solid strike rate at Sandown. Would have the polish of trainer Graeme Bate going into the race which is always worth a couple of lengths at the business end of the season. Would probably need to pinch a decent break down the back straight to win. Not impossible if he gains a start.

Leprechaun Pace 15 starts 7­3­2 ($42,570) Brett Lee – Leprechaun Yap Gallant in defeat last Thursday night when she ran into one better on the night. Another sister from the outstanding litter that already boasts two finalists. Consistent type with a couple of very fast times under her belt. Unlikely to gain a start, but worth a thought for multiples should she make it.

Continued on Page 4 … 4

Local expert’s selections for the final are as follows.

Ron Hawkswell Matt Corby Eddie Caruana 1 st Miss Mini Mouse 1 st Laurie Banner 1 st Laurie Banner 2 nd Laurie Banner 2 nd Betty’s Angel 2 nd Train A Journey 3 rd Pure Burst 3 rd Miss Mini Mouse 3 rd Miss Mini Mouse

Local Market for the Schweppes Melbourne Cup:

$215,000 Group 1 Schweppes Melbourne Cup (515m) Box Greyhound Trainer Price Pure Burst Wayne Vassallo $4.50 Laurie Banner Glenn Rounds $5 Run’s House Jason Thompson $9 Betty’s Angel Paul Bartolo $4 Train A Journey John Galea $8 Miss Mini Mouse Paul Bartolo $5 Ryght Way Frank Ryan $51 Cash Up Graeme Bate $16 Torque Bale (RES) Graeme Bate $51 Leprechaun Pace (RES) Paul Bartolo $26

What’s happening on race night?

Melbourne Cup night is always jam packed with lots of excitement for on course patrons, this year the crowd will be entertained by a MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAY (Chinese Youth Society), BLUE (Jazz/Vaudeville Act) a CHINESE DRAGON DISPLAY plus the National Anthem performed by Elise Beattie. Also for people coming to the track they can enter the ever popular BIG PUNT competion.

Facts & Figures

The 2006 Group 1 Schweppes Melbourne Cup (515m) series, offering in excess of $500,000 in total prizemoney, is Australia’s richest greyhound event and the richest free entry greyhound race in the world. Fastest time 29.65, Classic Capri (2001) out of box 5 Battle of the Sexes Dogs 40, Bitches 10 Punter’s Paradise Favourites have won on 22 occasions The long and short Gold Grotto1/2 (1972) Classic Capri $25.90 (2001) Legends of the lead Graeme Bate (3 winners): Satan’s Shroud (1981), Fair Sentence (1989), Kantarn Bale (1999) Second coming Saskaview (1963, 3rd 1962), Cheltenham Lass (1966, 2nd 1965), Classic Capri (2001, 2nd 2000) Biggest margin 9 lengths (Fox Hunt, 1991) Smallest margin Neck (Chief Ranee 1960, Chris’ Dandy 1970, Black Aztec 1980, City Blitz 1995) Just for the record Hua (1988) set a new track record of 30.01 over 511m Supreme Being Legendary stud dog Chariot Supreme sired the trifecta in 1990 – Highly Blessed, Singalong, Black Pirate Tears of Joy Another stud great, New Tears – himself a finalist in 1987 (fell) – sired the trifecta in 1994: Light of Fire, Zippity Magic, New Fox Three cheers Graeme Bate trained the trifecta in 1999 – Kantarn Bale, Devon Road, Flying Law Going the distance: 1956­63 565 yards 1964­71 555 yards 1972 507.5m 1973­85 513m 1986­95 511m 1996­ 515m State of affairs:

36 Victoria 11 New South Wales 2 Queensland 1 South Australia Winning boxes: Box 1 16 Box 2 5 Box 3 7 Box 4 4 Box 5 4 Box 6 3 Box 7 6 Box 8 5 Show me the money: 1956 500 pounds to the winner 1964 $1000 1971 $8000 1975 $11,500 1978 $35,000 1990 $40,000 1991 $50,000 1994 $55,000 1995 $80,000 1996 $100,000 2002 $140,000 2005 $150,000 Honour Roll Year Winner Trainer Time 1956 Rocketeer John Brown 30 6/16 1957 Rookie Rebel Wally Hooper 30 14/16 1958 Marine Jet Gavin Fraser 30 9/16 1959 Capital King Fred Garbutt 30 9/16 1960 Chief Ranee Max Hammond 30 13/16 1961 Bybrae Arthur Bate 30 12/16 1962 Saskagay Arthur Ludlow 30 8/16 1963 Saskaview Arthur Ludlow 30 10/16 1964 Rocket Streak Fred Ladd 30 6/16 1965 Kinta’s Son Bob Bowman 30 10/16 1966 Cheltenham Lass Paul Hogan 30 10/16 1967 Swan Opal Neville Ballinger 30 9/16 1968 Mr. Spot Terry Rowlings 30 9/16 1969 Millimsimbi Stan Cleverley 30 7/16 1970 Chris’s Dandy Alex Kay 31 1/16 1971 Gerard The Gent Herb Siakew 30 7/16 1972 Gold Grotto Ed Tucker 30 6/16 1973 New Mariner Ray Jennings 31.49 1974 Kwik Metal Cap Abbott 31.02 1975 Dynamic Dean Sandra Hogan 31.32 1976 Carrington Jade Ken Murphy 30.70 1977 Mile Post Tony Collins 30.94 1978 Tangaloa Joy Hili 30.97 1979 Acclaim Star Bill Fletcher 30.50 1980 Black Aztec Harry Sarkis 30.74 1981 Satan’s Shroud Graeme Bate 30.88 1982 Kid Scandal Arthur Garrett 30.70 1983 Lady Lilly Colin Kelly 30.86 1984 Rustic Venture Peter Denaro 30.92 1985 Sydney Dingaan Ned Bryant 30.44 1986 Legendary Kid Jim Coleman 30.62 1987 Speedy Mick Joe Schroeders 30.52 1988 Hua Roy Symes 30.01 1989 Fair Sentence Graeme Bate 30.19 1990 Highly Blessed Lorraine Ferremi 30.53 1991 Fox Hunt Peter Jovanovic 30.50 1992 Master Giant Peter Akathiotis 30.30 1993 Silver Chisel John Fleming 30.25 1994 Light of Fire Jason Thompson 30.05 1995 City Blitz Peter Giles 30.06 1996 Henry Hand Dennis Dean 29.86 1997 Roanokee Roger Green 29.96 1998 Rapid Journey Jane Carruthers 29.91 1999 Kantarn Bale Graeme Bate 29.73 2000 Go Wild Teddy Mark Bell 29.73 2001 Classic Capri Judy Hayley 29.65 2002 Excite Ability Len Poore 29.77 2003 Bombastic Shiraz Darren Cairns 29.82 2004 Hallucinate Darren McDonald 29.73 2005 Closing Argument Cameron Taylor 29.94 Last years winner Closing Argument (Pic Paul Munt)

Thanks for information supplied by Michael Floyd & Matt Corby Sandown Administration.

Any further information contact: The Sandown Office at Sandown: 039546 9511 [email protected] or www.sandowngreyhounds.com.au

For more information please contact: Neil Brown Donna Summers AGRA Publicity Officer AGRA Executive Officer Tel: 03 97691234 Tel: 02 96465711 Mob: 0423 129 950 Mob: 0414 524 907