Revamped Golden Chase launches on the Q Straight

By Pat McLeod

A revamped Golden Chase series, which debuts on the Q Straight on Thursday, has been given the nod of approval by two-time winner Gregory Stella.

Stella has been a long-time fan of the historic feature, which dates back to 1989 as the Ipswich Auction Series.

Rylee’s Revenge (2006) and Magistrate (2023) from the Stella kennel have saluted in the event.

The series was a high-profile fixture on the Ipswich club race calendar and in recent years had two ‘legs’ – a 431 metre showdown and then the finale over 520 metres. 

This year’s Golden Chase series races are open to the more than 200 greyhounds who were nominated via a buy-in process about 18 months ago.

Stella applauded the transition of the event to The Q and the now three legs – 350 metres on the Q Straight, 457 metres on the Q1 Lakeside and then 520 metres on the Q2 Parklands.

“I like this concept where we start with the straight race first,” he said.

“Then we go up to the 457 metres (heats on March 28) and then to the 520 metres (to be raced in August and September).

“The final race is six months away, so the dogs have more time to prepare for the longer distances.

“I always enjoyed this series over the years because often you would start with dogs that were unknown and then come through the series as quality race dogs.

“Of course, the big prizemoney is the carrot (total prizemoney – Q Straight $20,000; Q1 Lakeside $50,000; Q2 Parklands $110,000).

“We paid up just over $600 and have three dogs starting in the series. For that nomination fee you get three bites of the cherry – three races.”

Stella will have three members of his home-bred Aussie Infrared and Regal Opal litter as part of the Thursday’s five heats on the Q Straight.

Regal Saint (eight starts for four wins and three placings) will jump from box eight in the opening heat; Hayden’s Gift (two wins and a placing from three starts) has box two in the fourth heat and first starter Regal Gypsy will exit the pink in the last heat.

Stella says all three have inherited their mother’s early speed, but isn’t optimistic that they will be 500 metre dogs.

“They are well educated on the straight,” he said.

“Hayden's Gift has improved over his last couple of runs and so far appears to be the better out of the litter. I am happy with where he is at.

“He won off box two in his last start so the two again is a suitable draw for him. Regal Saint has raced on the Q Straight in a maiden series and also over at Capalaba, so he is well schooled.

“He has won four races and we are also happy with where he is at.

“He has handled the eight previously, but it's not ideal and he will want to get to the middle.

“The first starter, Regal Gypsy, is showing good potential in trials, but I am concerned with box eight.

“She will want to get down to the middle or inside. She will need luck and so I'm not sure how she will handle this.

“At this stage they all show early speed, but they are not showing that they want 500 metres, although we haven't tested them.

“For them to win they will have to lead in their races. They are showing the early zip that their mother had.”

Each of the Golden Chase series features are planned for heats, semis and Final format.

Stella said although his trio had plenty of maturity ahead of them, he is not banking on continuing through the three legs.

“Looking ahead to the next two legs of this series, the 400 and 500 metre races, I am not optimistic at this stage,” he said.

“But, in saying that we will work them along and see what happens.”